TAPI gas pipeline 1st phase to reach Herat by end of 2026

KABUL (Pajhwok): Turkmenistan’s former president Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov says the first section of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline is expected to reach Herat province by the end of 2026.

In an interview with Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya, published by Turkmen state media, Berdymukhamedov welcomed participation from international companies in the TAPI project, which aims to transport Turkmen gas to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

He emphasised that the project, supported by the United States, must navigate longstanding tensions between Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Turkmenistan’s primary goal, he said, is to diversify exports of its vast gas reserves.

TAPI is considered one of the region’s largest public utility projects and is expected to significantly boost regional economic development and create jobs in Afghanistan.

On February 1, a Turkmen delegation led by Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, alongside Afghan Minister of Mines and Petroleum Mawlawi Hedayatullah Badri and other officials, visited Torghundi port in Herat to review progress on the project.

kk/sa