Pakistan Railways (PR) is planning to construct a 105-kilometer railway line to link Thar Coal mines with Port Qasim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The department has already awarded the contract scheduled to be completed by October 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said that the aim for bolstering the nation\u2019s bulk transportation capabilities aligns with broader economic growth objectives and facilitates coal transportation across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The official said the project is a joint venture financed by the Sindh and federal governments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new rail link from Islamkot to Chhor will facilitate coal transportation across the country, supporting key industries like cement and textiles by providing a more cost-effective fuel alternative, he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the construction will include a 24.58-kilometer loop line and an 18-kilometer double line track extending from Bin Qasim railway station to Port Qasim, with an additional 4.20 kilometers of loop lines designed to handle significant freight volumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the completion of the project, he said the rail network is expected to have the capacity to transport 10 million tons of coal annually, shifting the country\u2019s power generation reliance from imported to domestic coal sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the project will see the establishment of seven new railway stations along the route, with two major stations at Thar coal mines and the new Chhor station, and five intermediate stations to facilitate efficient coal transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n