KABUL: Afghanistan announced the commencement of work on its segment of the $10 billion Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, as officials gathered at a border ceremony in Turkmenistan on Wednesday. The project, which has faced repeated delays due to security concerns in Afghanistan, is expected to boost regional economies by delivering 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually.
Afghan Prime Minister Hassan Akhund and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedow praised the pipeline’s potential to benefit the entire region. Afghanistan is set to receive 16% of the gas while Pakistan and India will each receive 42%. The project will also create 12,000 jobs in Afghanistan and generate $500 million annually in transit fees. However, analysts warn of further delays due to financing uncertainties.
