Thar coal railway project to finish by year-end

Pakistan is ramping up its energy infrastructure with railways linking Thar’s coal mines to Port Qasim by December 2025, while planning a nearly half-a-billion-dollar, 1000MW battery storage initiative in the south to harness wind energy and while stabilizing the grid.

The government is negotiating with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Islamic Development Bank for a nearly $500 million battery storage project in the southern region.

Secretary Power Division Fakhar Alam Irfan informed a parliamentary panel that work on the railway link between Thar coal mines and Port Qasim is progressing and will be completed by December 2025. This 105km rail network, overseen by federal and Sindh governments, will ensure a steady supply of Thar coal to power plants nationwide, reducing dependence on costly fuel imports.

The ministry has proposed Rs79 billion in the next Public Sector Development Program for 2025-26 to fund four major projects. These include a 1,000MW battery storage system and three transmission lines—Ghazi Barotha, North-South, and Karachi to central Punjab.

Officials emphasize that these initiatives will enhance energy security and provide long-term economic benefits by stabilizing power supply and reducing reliance on imported fuel.