The much-awaited Central Asia South Asia (CASA-1000) electricity transmission project was eventually signed Friday in Istanbul, Turkey – bringing Afghanistan 45 million USD in transit revenues based on last October's agreement between Kabul and Islamabad over transit pricing.

Based on the agreement, Afghanistan receives more 1.25 cents from each kilowatt power that passes from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan.

The event held April 24 was attended by the Ministers for Water and Power of all four countries in Istanbul.

The CASA-1000 transmission line to Peshawar, as agreed, would be capable of delivering 1300 MW, of which, 300 MW is Afghanistan's share.

However, if Afghanistan didn't need its share, it would be available to Pakistan.

When the project is implemented, more than 1000 kilometers of lines with a capacity of 1,300 megawatts will be connecting all four countries involved.

About 570 kilometers of the lines will cross through Kunduz, Baghlan, Panjshir, Parwan, Kabul and Nangarhar provinces.

The cost of project is estimated to be $1.170 billion including $208 million IDC & taxes. But the final cost will be determined through a competitive bidding process.

Tender documents are, however, due to be awarded by 18 May 2015. Start of construction is expected in September 2015 and completion by May 2018.