Centre approves two projects for Afghanistan

New Delhi: Reaffirming its commitment to strengthen democracy in war-ravaged Afghanistan, Government approved construction of a Parliament building and Indian Chancery complex in Kabul.

A meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, gave its nod to the proposed combined project, which would be constructed at a revised estimated cost of Rs 950 crore.

'The construction of Parliament building will be a visible symbol of India's contribution towards strengthening and rebuilding democracy in Afghanistan,' Minister of State in PMO Prithviraj Chavan told reporters here.

He said the project would generate a goodwill for India in Afghanistan. While the Chancery is expected to be completed in 16 months, the Parliament building would take a period of 36 months, he said.

The construction of the Chancery complex would provide a secure and functional base for India's diplomatic functions in Kabul.

The Prime Minister, during his visit to Afghanistan in August 2005, laid the foundation stone for the proposed Parliament building.