TAPI Pipeline Project moves forward as Turkmenistan, Afghanistan kickstart key infrastructure projects
ASHGABAT – Turkmenistan and Afghanistan have started major energy and transport infrastructure projects, marking the commencement of several key energy and transport infrastructure projects.
The event, led by Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov via videoconference, witnessed the participation of high-level delegations from both nations, highlighting a new era of cooperation.
One of key projects launched was construction of the Serkhetabad-Herat gas pipeline, dubbed Arkadagyň Ak ýoly. This pipeline forms a crucial link in the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas project, which aims to enhance regional energy connectivity.
In addition, a 177-meter railway bridge on the Serkhetabad-Torghundi route was inaugurated. In a symbolic gesture, a train carrying humanitarian aid crossed the newly opened bridge from Turkmenistan into Afghanistan, marking the start of improved cross-border transport and trade.
Other significant developments include the launch of the Shutlkyk-1 gas compressor station at the Shatlyk field in Turkmenistan’s Mary province and the start of a fiber-optic communication line along the Serkhetabad-Herat route, which will boost telecommunications between the two countries.
Additionally, construction began on a warehouse complex and loading-unloading yard at the Torghundi railway station dry port, further enhancing Afghanistan’s transport infrastructure. The ceremony also saw the start of work on the Torghundi-Sanobar railway, the first segment of the planned Torghundi-Herat railway.
In a further boost to Afghanistan’s energy sector, the supply of electricity from Turkmenistan’s Serkhetabad station to the Nur ul-Jihad station in Herat has also commenced. This is part of the first phase of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) power transmission line project, which will enhance energy access across the region.
These initiatives underscore Turkmenistan and Afghanistan’s commitment to strengthening regional connectivity and development, fostering mutual economic growth through energy and transport cooperation.