400-ton reply to terror: India will airlift 5 power transformers to Kabul

The first flight takes off on Sunday. Three 40 MVA transformers weighing 64 tonnes each and two 160 MVA transformers weighing 90 tonnes each will be sent this month in two phases aboard specially arranged AN-124 planes, the largest transport aircraft in the world that can carry up to 120 tonnes of cargo.

The second lot will surpass the 70-tonne gas turbine BHEL had sent to Malaysia in 2003, which is considered the heaviest airlift in India.

These transformers will be installed at the Kabul sub-station by BHEL, which is responsible for the project and is committed to completing the task by August. So, the 40 MVA transformers will be moved in three flights on May 4, 5 & 7. The 160 MVA transformers will move towards the month-end.

With Pakistan still denying India transit rights into Afghanistan, India has been sending aid and assistance material through a circuitous route via the port of Bandar Abbas in Iran. From Iran, the goods are transferred by road through the some of the most troubled areas of Afghanistan like Herat and Kandahar.

Given that these are bulky transformers which have to travel for days together on road and could prove to be easy targets, New Delhi did not want to take a chance as any loss or damage would only delay completion of the project. More so, bringing electricity to Kabul is among India’s most prestigious infrastructure projects in Afghanistan.

Currently, diesel generators, for which US provides over $100 million worth of fuel, serve Kabul’s power needs. In a massive effort to draw electricity from the Uzbekistan border, India is building the last leg of the transmission line from Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul and setting up the main sub-station in the city to this end. India, it may be noted, has shipped some 700 pre-fabricated towers that are being set up to lay the transmission line from Pul-e-Khumri. With only 25-odd AN-124 in-service aircraft available in the world, sources said, it was difficult to book the flights. In the end, two windows in May were found suitable.