Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh: In a historic moment for India’s mining and heavy engineering sector, BEML Ltd has unveiled the BRS21, the country’s largest indigenously designed and developed electric rope shovel. The formal handover took place at Nigahi Mines, Singrauli, marking a significant stride toward India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission and self-reliance in mining infrastructure.
The monumental machine was officially handed over by Shri Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML, to B. Sairam, CMD of Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL), in the presence of P.M. Prasad, CMD of Coal India Ltd (CIL), alongside senior officials and functional directors of BEML, CIL, and NCL.
A Technological Milestone in Indigenous Mining Solutions
Weighing 720 tonnes and equipped with a 21 cubic metre bottom dump bucket, the BRS21 is engineered for large-scale overburden removal in opencast mines. This electric rope shovel is fully designed, developed, and manufactured in India — a first for the nation — and positions India on the global stage as a capable producer of high-capacity, eco-friendly mining equipment.
Powered by a Siemens IGBT-based AC Drive System, the BRS21 is packed with cutting-edge features that enhance operational performance, safety, and environmental sustainability. Its zero-emission electric drive aligns with India’s goals for green mining and sustainable development.
Leadership Reactions
Speaking at the event, Shantanu Roy, CMD of BEML, said: “This moment marks a proud milestone for the nation as we advance the Prime Minister’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The successful development of this colossal mining equipment by BEML in just 24 months speaks volumes of our engineering strength and collective resolve.“
“It’s not just a triumph for BEML but a defining moment for India’s coal sector, ushering in a new era of sustainable and self-reliant mining solutions. I am deeply grateful to Coal India and NCL for their unwavering confidence in us and for enabling us to deliver this breakthrough for the country,” he added.
Echoing the sentiment, P.M. Prasad, CMD of CIL, remarked: “The launch of the BRS21 is a moment of immense pride for India’s mining sector and a significant step towards environmentally sustainable mining practices. With this remarkable achievement, we are opening a new chapter in green mining. For years, we have witnessed massive mining equipment being built overseas — today, thanks to BEML’s unwavering commitment and excellence, India stands tall with its own indigenously designed and manufactured rope shovel.”
A Leap Toward Green and Self-Reliant Mining
The introduction of the BRS21 is not just a technological feat, but a symbol of India’s capability to design and deliver world-class industrial equipment. With this innovation, BEML reinforces its leadership in the mining and construction equipment sector, while also contributing to India’s climate goals by promoting electric-powered, zero-emission solutions in traditionally high-emission industries.
This indigenous marvel is expected to enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, and minimize the carbon footprint in India’s energy and mining sectors – a timely move as the nation intensifies efforts toward clean energy transitions.
About BEML
BEML Limited, formerly Bharat Earth Movers Limited, is an Indian public sector undertaking which manufactures a variety of heavy equipment, such as that used for earth moving, railways, transport and mining. It is headquartered in Bangalore. BEML is Asia’s second-largest manufacturer of earth moving equipment.
