Question : PROPOSAL TO BUILD AND UPGRADE ROADS IN AFGHANISTAN

(a) whether the Government proposes to build and upgrade roads in Afghanistan; 

(b) if so, the details thereof; 

(c) the estimated funds the Government proposes to invest in Afghanistan for such road projects; and 

(d) the details of terms and conditions entered into with Afghanistan in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS(SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)

(a) - (d) Yes. The Government of India (GOI) are providing assistance of Rs 746.79 crores for upgradation/construction of the 215 km long road from Zaranj to Delaram in Nimroz Province in Afghanistan. The project is being executed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO). The project commenced in July 2004 and is expected to be completed by December 2008. The GOI are undertaking this road project at the request of the Government of Afghanistan. The Government of Afghanistan have provided cooperation and support with regard to various aspects of the project such as acquisition of land, extraction/collection of natural construction materials, facilitation of movement of Indian personnel etc. As the project is being undertaken in a security-sensitive area, the Government of Afghanistan have provided local security for the project, which has also been supplemented by police personnel (ITBP) from India.