(a) whether India propose to take up the work of laying of roads in Afghanistan;
(b) if so, whether any request has been received in this connection from the Afghan Government; and
(c) if so, the time by when the work is likely to be undertaken ?
(a) whether India propose to take up the work of laying of roads in Afghanistan;
(b) if so, whether any request has been received in this connection from the Afghan Government; and
(c) if so, the time by when the work is likely to be undertaken ?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DIGVIJAY SINGH)
(a)-(c) Yes. As part of India’s extensive humanitarian, financial and project assistance to Afghanistan, it is proposed to undertake road construction in Afghanistan. During several bilateral interactions with Afghanistan, the Afghan government has urged India to provide assistance in infrastructure sector, including laying of roads.
In a trilateral meeting held between India, Afghanistan and Iran on 4-5 January 2003 at Tehran to discuss the development of transit and transport between the three countries, a Memorandum of Understanding on the Development and Construction of Transit and Transport Infrastructures in Chabahar-Milak-Zaranj-Delaram route had been signed between the three countries aimed at improving access to Afghanistan, and upgrading the infrastructure at Chabahar port and relevant road segments. During the visit of President of Afghanistan, H.E. Mr. Hamid Karzai to India, in March this year, Prime Minister announced a financial commitment of US$ 70 million for the construction of Zaranj-Delaram road in Afghanistan.
A detailed technical survey of the Zaranj-Delaram road stretch has been completed by Border Roads Organization. Implementation will commence after the report on the execution of the project has been approved by the Government from the technical and financial angles.