Jamshoro Power Company raises concerns over coal supply delays with Pakistan Railways

LAHORE: Jamshoro Power Company Ltd (JPCL) has formally protested to Pakistan Railways (PR) regarding what it describes as significant and unexplained delays in the transportation of coal, warning that continued disruption could force the 660MW Jamshoro plant to shut down.

In a letter addressed to the chief executive officer of Pakistan Railways on Wednesday, March 11, JPCL highlighted the impact of the delays, stating that the slow movement of coal from the Pipri marshalling yard is affecting plant operations and hindering the timely fulfillment of coal supply contracts. JPCL emphasized that the ongoing situation poses a risk to the continuous operation of the power plant.

However, Pakistan Railways CEO Amir Ali Baloch refuted JPCL's claims, asserting that the power company itself was responsible for the disruption. He told Dawn, “JPCL didn’t deposit the freight charges in advance — a mandatory requirement for uninterrupted supply of coal.” Baloch further denied that a shortage of wagons was causing the delay in coal delivery to the Jamshoro plant.

JPCL, in its communication, also reminded the PR management about an existing agreement under which Pakistan Railways is responsible for ensuring the timely transportation of coal to the power plant. The company maintained that the delays were not explained and had already started to impact critical operations.

The disagreement between JPCL and Pakistan Railways comes at a time when consistent fuel supply is crucial for power generation, particularly as the country faces ongoing energy challenges. Both organizations have cited different reasons for the disruption, with JPCL pointing to operational delays and PR attributing the issue to procedural lapses on the part of the power company.

No further details regarding the resolution of the dispute or additional statements from either party were reported in the source.