500 KV Power Line Extension Project Inaugurated in Baghlan

KABUL, Dec. 21 – Amid a significant event held in Khawaja Alwan district of Baghlan province, the inauguration of the extension of the 500 KV power line project took place.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, emphasized the priority of investing in electricity for Afghanistan, highlighting the involvement of Afghan and Aufi Bahram companies in the project. The aim is to achieve self-sufficiency in electricity production and promote serious efforts in the private sector.

Abdul Qahara Abd, Director of Programs at Afghanistan Electricity Company, stated that upon completion, the project will enable the import of 1000 megawatts of electricity from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan. This will provide electricity to 6 million families and facilitate agricultural mechanization. Additionally, the project is expected to contribute $42 million annually to the Afghan budget, addressing electricity-related challenges in rural areas.

Governor Mawlawi Abdul Rahman Haqqani expressed full support from the military and civilian employees of Baghlan for this significant project, urging civilian cooperation to ensure its successful completion.

Acting Minister of Water and Energy, Mullah Abdul Latif Mansour, specified that the project consists of two parts: one extending from Baghlan’s Khawaja Alwan Desert to Shabarghan, and the other from Khawaja Alwan Desert to Arghandi. Completion of the 500 KV line extension is anticipated to reactivate dormant factories, providing facilities to industrialists in various sectors.

Sherbaz Kamin Zaha, Director of Afghan Invest Company, stressed the transformative impact of the project, with a cost of $36 million for the Khawaja Alwan to Shabarghan segment. Its completion is expected to bring about an industrial revolution, job opportunities, agricultural development, economic independence, budgetary growth, increased domestic production, competition with regional countries, and enhanced international interaction.

Mawlawi Noorullah, Director of Aufi Bahram Company, announced an investment of $75 million towards the extension of the 500 KV power line from Khawaja Alwan to Arghandi district.