Uzbekistan has begun the construction of a 500-kV high-voltage power transmission line from the Guzor and Surkhan to the border town of Hayratan, Afghanistan.

The Uzbekenergo state joint stock company has launched the US$93 million-project.

The Islamic Development Bank had loaned out US$42 million in October 2008 to purchase the necessary equipment for the project, reported Uzreport.

The company was going to spend an amount of US$93 million to install additional 501-megavolt-ampere transformers at the Guzor and Surkhan substations and to build the 500-kV power transmission, extending 197 km.