Afghanistan has officially commenced work on the $10 billion Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, a significant regional energy project. The announcement was made on Wednesday, marking a crucial milestone for the pipeline that will traverse South Asia.
The TAPI pipeline is set to transport natural gas from the Galkynysh gas field in southeastern Turkmenistan, through Afghanistan, Pakistan, and into India. Spanning approximately 1,800 kilometers (1,120 miles), the pipeline will pass through key Afghan cities such as Herat and Kandahar before entering Pakistan’s Balochistan province and concluding in Fazilka, Punjab, India.
The pipeline will deliver around 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas each year. Pakistan and India are expected to purchase 42% of the gas each, while Afghanistan will receive 16% of the total supply. Additionally, Afghanistan will benefit from annual transit fees estimated at $500 million.
At a border ceremony held in Islim Cheshma, Turkmenistan, Afghan officials and dignitaries celebrated the commencement of the project. The ceremony was attended by Afghan Prime Minister Hassan Akhund and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, who emphasized the regional benefits of the pipeline.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedow highlighted that the pipeline will positively impact not only the economies of the participating countries but also the broader region. The event was marked by a public holiday in Herat, with celebrations including posters and public displays.
Taliban Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid announced that work on the pipeline would begin on Afghan soil, signaling a new phase of development for the Taliban-led government since they took power in 2021.
Despite the progress, the TAPI pipeline faces several challenges. Security concerns in Afghanistan have caused repeated delays, and the project remains not fully funded. Experts estimate that the pipeline may not be operational for another decade.
Work on the Turkmen section of the pipeline started in 2015, with initial plans to begin construction in Afghanistan in 2018. However, security issues and geopolitical factors have led to significant delays.
India’s commitment to the pipeline has been questioned due to its complex relationship with Pakistan and the availability of alternative natural gas markets. These factors could pose potential stumbling blocks to the project’s timely completion.
The TAPI pipeline is a critical development for the Taliban authorities, marking their most significant project since taking control. It provides Afghanistan with a strategic role in regional energy cooperation, addressing energy deficits in South Asia and enhancing connectivity between Central and South Asia.
Despite facing ongoing economic and financial sanctions from the West, Afghanistan is seeking to relaunch major projects in energy, mining, and infrastructure. The TAPI pipeline and other projects, such as the recent relaunch of a major copper extraction project with China, are part of Afghanistan’s efforts to boost its economic standing.
In summary, the initiation of the TAPI pipeline project is a landmark development for the region, promising significant economic benefits and regional cooperation. However, the project will need to navigate ongoing challenges and secure additional funding to realize its full potential.
