Transportation of coal from Afghanistan discussed

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Transportation of coal from Afghanistan has been discussed at a high-level meeting and Pakistan Railways directed to provide wagons for the purpose.

Chaired by Federal Minister for Railways Saad Rafique in Lahore, the meeting decided that stations would be set up at Sibi, Kandian and Khushhal Kot for coal delivery.

The minister instructed the officials concerned that the availability of wagons for transporting coal should be ensured and the track repaired.

Following a sharp surge in fuel prices, Pakistan recently decided to import coal from the neighbouring country for -fired power plants.

Some days back, Pakistan started importing coal from Afghanistan and supplying it to coal-fired power plants in different cities.

“At present, fewer than 3,000 tonnes of coal are being brought daily to the Khushhal Kot railway station,” Dawn reported.

The daily supply, however, could spike to 20,000 tonnes after the beginning of coal operation from Kundian in Mianwali district and Sibi in Balochistan.

The report added the Sibi station would receive coal in trucks via the Wesh-Chaman border.

Coal is being transported to power plants in Sahiwal and Hub districts through the rail network — not by road.

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