Thar Coal Railway Project advances rapidly as New Chhor Yard work speeds up in Mirpurkhas

MIRPURKHAS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th May, 2026) Work on the strategically important Thar Coal Railway Project is progressing at a fast pace, with construction activities accelerating on the New Chhor Railway Yard and the rail link extending to Islamkot, officials said on Tuesday.

According to project details, the main railway line connecting Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, and Khokhrapar has successfully completed trial operations and has been declared fit for service. Meanwhile, substantial work has also been completed on the loop line from New Chhor to Islamkot. The approximately 105-kilometre railway line will connect Thar coal mines with the existing Pakistan Railways network to facilitate transportation of coal across the country.

The mega project also includes development of an additional railway track from Bin Qasim to Port Qasim along with a coal unloading system. Official figures show that around 58 percent of track-related work and nearly 92 percent of embankment construction have been completed so far, while about 43 percent of civil works and station building construction has also been finalised.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

Authorities said station infrastructure, signalling systems, culverts, and other civil engineering works are continuing at multiple locations.

The project, estimated to cost nearly Rs90 billion, is scheduled for completion in 2026 and is being jointly executed by Pakistan Railways, the Government of Sindh, Frontier Works Organization, and NESPAK. Experts believe the railway project will significantly reduce dependence on imported coal, lower fuel transportation costs for the energy sector, and create new opportunities for trade, employment, and economic growth in Thar. The New Chhor Railway Yard is also expected to emerge as a major railway hub for the Thar and Khokhrapar region in the coming years.

APP/hms/378