Thar coal rail link cost revised up to Rs90bn from Rs53bn

KARACHI: The cost of the Thar Coal Rail Connectivity Project has increased to Rs90 billion from Rs53 billion following the completion of the project’s detailed design.

The revised PC-1 of the project estimates the total cost at Rs90 billion. According to official sources, the original PC-1, prepared by the railway department, had overlooked several aspects. The detailed design prepared later by the department, which includes an unloading facility for Thar coal in the Port Qasim area, has pushed up the project’s overall cost.

The project will be jointly financed by Pakistan Railways and the Sindh government on a 50:50 basis.

The revised PC-1 outlines the construction of a 105-kilometre-long single-line railway track from the Thar coal mines to New Chhor Station, including 25 kilometres of loop lines and seven kilometres of loading loops. It also includes the construction of an 18-kilometre double-line track (nine kilometres on each side), with 4.2 kilometres of loop lines, from Bin Qasim to Port Qasim, as well as a coal unloading pit at Port Qasim/Lucky Cement Power Plant Station within Karachi Division.

The scope of work also covers the construction of nine railway stations — eight between Thar Coal and New Chhor, and one between Bin Qasim and Port Qasim — complete with platforms. Two major stations will be established at Thar Coal Mines and New Chhor, while six intermediate stations will be built between them. Additional works include overhead bridges, culverts, underpasses, level crossings, waterways, rail crossings, stone pitching, fencing, retaining walls, embankments, weighbridges and other civil works.

The project comprises two main segments: construction of the single-line track from Thar Coal Block-II to New Chhor Station, and construction of the double-line track from Bin Qasim to Port Qasim near the Lucky Cement Power Plant.

Officials said the project aims to provide a reliable and efficient railway link to overcome the geographical constraints of Thar coal, enabling its transportation across the country through an environmentally friendly mode.

Environmentalists, however, have expressed concern over potential environmental degradation from coal transportation. Officials countered that rail transport would minimise pollution and help reduce road congestion.

“Every project has some environmental implications. However, an environmental and social impact assessment has been conducted to minimise adverse effects,” an official at the Sindh Coal Authority said.

He added that the project will enable greater use of indigenous Thar coal, reduce the import bill, and lower power generation costs by rationalising fuel expenses. It is also expected to benefit local communities in Tharparkar through royalties and job creation.