LAHORE: The Punjab government is considering a new electricity supply project for Sundar Industrial Estate and the Orange Line Train to improve power reliability and explore cost-effective energy solutions for industrial and public transport operations.
Provincial Energy Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar chaired a meeting on Wednesday to review the proposed project, including electricity transmission arrangements, technical requirements and potential financial benefits.
Energy Secretary Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti and representatives of various energy companies attended the meeting, where officials from PFAS briefed participants on the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) framework.
The briefing focused on possible arrangements for supplying electricity to Sundar Industrial Estate and the Orange Line Train, with particular attention to reducing energy costs and ensuring a reliable power supply.
Participants examined several proposals involving electricity transmission infrastructure, available generation resources and the energy requirements of industrial consumers.
During the meeting, officials also presented information concerning the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power project in Bahawalpur, referring to a reported generation capacity of 1,300 megawatts and a separate 400-megawatt project spread over 15,000 acres.
The discussion explored how existing and proposed energy resources could be utilised more effectively to improve electricity supply arrangements.
Khokhar directed the relevant departments to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the proposed initiative, covering its technical feasibility, financial implications and administrative requirements.
He instructed officials to prepare a detailed presentation outlining the project’s potential benefits, implementation challenges and overall viability before any further decisions are taken.
The minister said providing affordable, reliable and quality electricity to households and industries remained a key priority of the provincial government.
He emphasised that uninterrupted electricity at competitive rates was essential for industrial expansion, business activity and economic stability.
According to Khokhar, rising energy costs and supply challenges required modern technology, effective planning and practical solutions to support industrial development.
He said energy projects should be evaluated on their ability to improve supply reliability, reduce operating costs and provide sustainable solutions for consumers and businesses.
The minister also called for stronger coordination among government departments, energy companies and private-sector stakeholders to ensure efficient utilisation of available resources.
He maintained that improved planning and better management of energy infrastructure could help provide relief to industrial consumers while strengthening the province’s electricity supply system.
Khokhar directed officials to submit detailed recommendations on the proposed project to support future decisions regarding electricity procurement, transmission and long-term energy requirements.
The project remains at the evaluation stage, with its implementation dependent on the findings of the technical, financial and administrative assessment.