Work for Afghan Parliament commences in full swing

New Delhi, Sep 20 (PTI) Defying the volatile situation,
India's Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has managed to
begin construction work of the Afghan Parliament and Indian
Chancery in Kabul.

"The Rs 950 crore work contract has been finally awarded
to two Indian construction companies after repeated biddings,
and currently the work is going on under our supervision,"
said a senior CPWD official.

The CPWD succeeded in having bidders in its fourth
bidding as it did not get good response in earlier biddings.

Two Indian construction companies have been jointly
awarded the prestigious job, said the official.

While the Parliament is estimated to cost Rs 710 crore,
the construction of a new Chancery building in Kabul is to
cost Rs 240 crores.

"It is a prestigious job for us as India has a commitment
towards construction of the new Parliament in Kabul," said the
official.

The construction of the Parliament building is being
regarded as a visible symbol of India contributing to
strengthening and rebuilding democracy in Afghanistan.

All this notwithstanding that the Indian embassy was
bombed in Kabul last year, killing diplomats and security
personnel.

The construction of chancery complex will provide a
secure and functional base for Indian diplomats working in
Kabul. (More) PTI