The Thar rail connectivity project is moving full steam ahead, with officials confident it will deliver a major boost to Pakistan’s energy sector and economy by next year.

Director General of Frontier Works Organization (FWO), Major General Abdul Sami, met with Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Tuesday to review the project’s progress. During the meeting, Minister Abbasi emphasized the game-changing potential of Thar’s indigenous coal, which will soon be transported directly to power plants nationwide.

“Thar’s affordable and indigenous coal will now be transported directly to power plants across the country,” Abbasi stated, highlighting that electricity generated from local coal will cost just Rs. 4.7 per unit—dramatically lower than the Rs. 15 per unit price tag for power produced from imported coal. This, he said, makes Thar coal a highly viable and strategic alternative for meeting Pakistan’s energy needs.

The project, expected to be completed by next year, is being executed with FWO’s assurance of timely delivery. Key components such as rails, fastenings, and thermite welding are being imported, while sleepers are being manufactured locally. With geotechnical and hydrological surveys already completed, the project is now entering critical implementation stages.

Minister Abbasi described the Thar Rail Project as a “major good news for the people,” predicting it will inject new life into the national economy, save valuable foreign exchange, and bring affordable electricity to millions.