Hyderabad: The federal and provincial governments have decided to connect Thar coalfield to the nearest railway station, a news report stated. A 143-kilometre railway track will be constructed for this purpose.
Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) presented the proposal for the railway track. During a visit to Thar coalfield, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (PM) on Power Shahzad Qasim and Sindh Energy Minister Imtiaz Shaikh accepted the recommendations given.
The railway track will help in transporting indigenous coal to lignite-fired power plants in Jamshoro and other areas. Qasim had earlier directed the SECMC to prepare the proposal in order to start the follow-up process with Pakistan Railways. He made assurances to present the document at all federal government forums to generate the required approvals and funds.
Sindh’s energy minister has also pledged the provincial government’s collaboration with the federal government to promote the use of energy sources such as coal. Sindh chief minister has also offered support for exploring ideas aimed at resolving the country’s energy crises.
With coal supply initiated to the lignite-fired power plants, foreign exchange reserves worth $350 million will be saved annually. This will further significantly cut down the volume of coal imports.
