On the directives of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Provincial Energy Secretary Shahab Qamar Ansari, accompanied by Commissioner Mirpurkhas Faisal Uqali, and senior Energy Department officials, conducted a comprehensive site visit at Choor near Umerkot.
The team reviewed progress on the critical 105-kilometer railway line connecting Thar coal mines to Bin Qasim, a key infrastructure project aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s energy security through efficient coal transport. The project also includes a 9 km track extension from Bin Qasim to Port Qasim and a dedicated coal unloading facility at the port.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasised that the railway line will integrate Thar coal mines with the national railway network and Port Qasim, enabling seamless coal transportation. Valued at approximately Rs 90 billion, with the Sindh government funding 50 per cent in partnership with the Federal Government, the Sindh government has already released Rs. 6.61 billion as its share.
Expressing satisfaction with the project’s overall progress, Secretary Energy directed all teams to accelerate construction activities.
He commended the strong collaboration from Pakistan Railways and the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) in driving implementation forward.
Project officials delivered a detailed briefing on construction status. Underscoring the need for timely completion, the Secretary stressed enhanced coordination among stakeholders, including mining and power companies, to meet deadlines. Secretary Energy was accompanied by Commissioner Mirpurkhas Faisal Uqali, Deputy Commissioner Umerkot Naveed Larik, Abul Fazal Rizvi, Zahir Rahimtoola, and FWO representatives.