Afghanistan has officially begun working on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, marking a significant milestone in the project’s implementation progress.  

The TAPI project, which spans 1,800 kilometers, aims to bring natural gas from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. 

Signed in 2015 between Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Pakistan leaders, the Taliban government announced its readiness to begin working on the project in February, making it more feasible. 

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, expressed excitement about the project, stating that it represents a dream realized after 30 years. He emphasized the economic benefits for Afghanistan and the region as a whole.

The project's first phase will bring gas to Herat, followed by Helmand and Kandahar provinces, and eventually extend to Pakistan and India.

In addition to the gas pipeline, the project includes other infrastructure developments such as a fiber optic cable, which will improve internet connectivity, and a railway, which will facilitate regional connectivity.

Mujahid thanked Turkmenistan for its commitment to the project and expressed hope for continued strong relations between the two countries. He also highlighted the importance of the Noor-ul-Jihad substation, which will help in supplying electricity to Herat's industrial park and other areas.