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.