ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Railways (PR) has awarded the contract for the construction of a 105-kilometre railway line to connect the Thar Coal mines with Port Qasim. This vital project, aimed at enhancing bulk transportation for the country’s growing economy, was revealed by Federal Secretary for Railways Syed Mazhar Ali Shah during a Senate Standing Committee on Railways meeting.
The rail line, expected to be completed by October 2025, will be co-financed by the Sindh and federal governments. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be arranged for security, ensuring smooth operation. The network, capable of transporting 10 million tons of coal annually, will help reduce reliance on costly fuel imports, potentially saving the national exchequer $1.5 billion annually.
The project also includes the construction of seven railway stations along the route, providing key infrastructure to support the coal-based power shift.
Story by Abdul Rasheed Azad
