Work on the long-delayed Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline is advancing, with Afghanistan completing an additional three kilometers of the pipeline in Herat province. The development is part of a broader phased construction strategy under the Taliban-led government, aimed at demonstrating Afghanistan’s capability to execute the project securely and effectively.
During a meeting between Herat Governor Sheikh Maulana Islamjar and TAPI Project CEO Muhammetmurad Amanov, discussions focused on the project’s current status and its importance for regional economic integration.
“The extension of the gas pipeline is advancing swiftly, with three kilometers already completed in Afghanistan,” Amanov confirmed. Governor Islamjar pledged comprehensive support, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to ensuring smooth progress.
“Currently, the TAPI project is progressing as planned. To date, 2.9 kilometers of the pipeline have been constructed and welded, and approximately 3.4 kilometers of the route have been prepared. Property acquisition efforts are also underway”, the spokesman of the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan, Homayoun Afghan said.
A Regional Initiative
The TAPI project, inaugurated on September 10, 2024, at the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan border, seeks to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh gas field—the world’s second-largest—through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India. Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Taliban officials attended the launch of the Serhetabat-Herat section.
The pipeline’s ultimate goal is to deliver 33 bn cubic meters (bcm) of gas annually, divided as follows:
- 5% for Afghanistan,
- 47.5% for Pakistan,
- 47.5% for India.
When fully operational, Afghanistan is projected to earn $1 billion annually in transit fees and create over 12,000 jobs, driving industrial growth in provinces like Herat, Helmand, and Kandahar.
Phased Approach to Construction
The Taliban government has adopted a four-phase strategy to build the pipeline:
- Serhetabat to Herat – Launched September 2024.
- Herat to Helmand – Timeline pending.
- Helmand to Kandahar – Timeline pending.
- Kandahar to the Pakistan border – Timeline pending.
Economic and Political Significance
For Afghanistan, TAPI symbolizes more than economic gain—it’s a cornerstone for diplomatic engagement and regional connectivity. The project also diversifies Turkmenistan’s energy exports by opening a new southern route, boosting its leverage in the regional energy market.
However, challenges remain, including securing the estimated $7–8 bn needed for full completion, addressing security risks, and navigating political tensions between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its potential, TAPI has faced decades of delays due to financial, political, and security issues. The Taliban’s ability to oversee construction and ensure safety could influence Pakistan and India’s willingness to commit to the pipeline’s next phases.
Observers note that successful execution of TAPI would enhance the Taliban’s international credibility and solidify Afghanistan’s role as a key transit hub. Complementing other infrastructure projects like CASA-1000 and the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan railway, TAPI could help rebuild Afghanistan’s economy and strengthen its regional ties.
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