In an impressive accomplishment that has surpassed the timeline expectations, the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) has triumphantly executed the Thar-Matiari Transmission line project. This 500kV transmission line, stretching across a vast 220 kilometres, was brought to completion in a remarkable duration of just two and a half months.
This expedited timeline successfully adheres to the directives laid down by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The NTDC managed to finance the project, costing a significant Rs15 billion, entirely from its internal resources.
The Thar-Matiari line’s successful construction holds paramount importance for the country’s future energy requirements. It serves as the crucial conduit connecting Thar’s coal-fired power generation facilities to the national grid. This line will specifically link the Thar-based SECL coal plant, boasting a capacity of 1320 MW, to the Matiari Converter station, thus markedly enhancing the efficiency of the national power transmission system.
Despite various challenges, NTDC has demonstrated unwavering determination, managing to bring the Thar-Matiari transmission line to completion, marking the second successful project of this year. The first was the Polan-Jiwani transmission line, which was aimed at importing 100 MW of electricity from Iran to energize Gwadar, also completed within a record-breaking period.
The success of the Thar-Matiari line is credited to the tireless efforts of 54 distinct teams, involving over 300 dedicated labourers who worked relentlessly round the clock. NTDC’s top management also established a dedicated camp office at Mithi (Thar), adjacent to the project site, to closely monitor and guide the progress.