The Chinese corporation, which has been involved in the development of Aynak copper mines, has been entrusted the task of carrying out feasibility studies, and work out the construction program, The Times of India reported.

The proposed 700 kilometers line will run right through the hotly contested Taliban areas while connecting the Aynak copper mines in northern Afghanistan with Kabul and the two neighboring countries.

MCC has estimated that the line will cost US$5 billion and take five years to be completed, and half of the time would be spent on the feasibility study.

The agreement with Afghan government specifies that MCC will lay the line under a build own, operate and transfer concession after the local government approves the feasibility study.