Lahore: A new coal project capable of producing 6,000 megawatts electricity will be established in the province of Punjab, statedPunjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif while addressing a press conference at 180-H Model Town. Around 10 million $ investment would be needed for setting up the project, he further told.
The coal power projects are to be installed in various regions including Balloki in Kasur district, at Haveli Bahadur Shah in Jhang district, Qadirabad in Sahiwal district, at Tarinda Sawe Wala in Rahim Yar Khan and at village in Karamdad Qureshi in Muzaffargarh district.
Shahbaz Sharif that their ideal geographical location in terms of producing power and then linking to the big cities with added subwater soil characteristics are significant to consider the locations for the installation of coal projects. The Punjab Minister said that the project will invite several foreign countries to bid in the project, including India. By March 2014, project’s initial processes shall be carried out through proper planning. And after 3-5 years period, the project shall be functional, stated the PML-N leader.
The provincial government will take part in the process by installing two power plants at Qadirabad with capacity of 1,320 megawatts. Around 7 billion $ will be invested in setting up the project, while 3 million $ would be needed for bearing the expenditures of running the project. The Punjab Minister said the project in addition to combating the electricity crisis would further open job opportunities for the masses.