Construction work on Afghanistan portion of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project is all set to be launched in western Herat province on Friday, an official said Monday.

AVA- The spokesman for Herat governor, Jilani Farhad, told Pajhwok Afghan News leaders from the four countries would attend the launch ceremonies to be hosted at Maulana Jalaluddin Mohammad Balkhi and Negaristan halls which had been prepared for the upcoming event.

Farhad said roads and parks in Herat city had been reconstructed and decorated in connection with the TAPI launch ceremony.

Strict security measures have been put in place and restrictions imposed on gatherings and citizens have been asked to cooperate with security forces during the visit of high level dignitaries.

The gubernatorial spokesman said delegations from the four countries such as Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan had arrived in the city.

Kumar Gaurav, Indian consul general in Herat City, said: “I have been hearing about the TAPI project over the years and today it is time of immense joy to see the project is being executed.”

Feroza Haidari, a resident of Herat City, said: “I am really happy to know the TAPI project is going to be launched. I am sure the project would help generate jobs for many people.”

The TAPI pipeline will carry natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan to Pakistan and then India. Afghanistan will earn nearly $400 million in transit fee. The pipeline will traverse 134 kilometres area, including Greshk and Washir districts, in Helmand.

The implementation of the project would cost around $8 billion, according to some international sources. Turkmenistan already pledged to offer 85 percent expenditures to the project.