Islamabad, Feb 27: The federal government is accelerating efforts to complete the Thar coal railway line to Port Qasim by December 2025. This crucial project aims to enhance coal transportation efficiency, reducing reliance on expensive fuel imports. Additionally, a $500 million battery storage initiative, with a capacity of 1,000MW, is being planned in the southern region to stabilize the national grid and maximize wind energy utilization.
During a recent meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Power, Secretary Power Division Fakhar Alam Irfan highlighted that the 105km railway project is progressing under the joint supervision of the federal and Sindh governments. This railway line is expected to improve coal logistics, supporting industrial growth and energy production.
Simultaneously, discussions are underway with international financial institutions, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Islamic Development Bank, to secure funding for the large-scale battery storage project. This initiative is designed to store surplus renewable energy and ensure grid stability, particularly during peak demand periods.
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Moreover, the Ministry of Energy has proposed an allocation of Rs. 79 billion in the 2025-26 Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for four significant energy infrastructure projects. These include the battery storage system and three major transmission lines—Ghazi Barotha, North-South, and Karachi to central Punjab. These projects are critical to enhancing power transmission, reducing energy losses, and improving overall efficiency in electricity distribution across the country.
With these initiatives, Pakistan aims to strengthen its energy security, lower costs, and accelerate the shift toward sustainable power solutions. The completion of these projects is expected to have a transformative impact on the country’s energy landscape.
