Ten years into construction, India's symbolic gift of democracy to Afghanistan — it's parliament building — is on its last dash to the finishing line with plans afoot to get Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kabul soon for its inauguration.

The PMO's push is one major reason why work on this much delayed project is now near completion. Modi, reliable sources told ET, was keen that the building be ready for him to undertake the visit.

The project, which was initiated by the UPA government in 2007 as a mark of friendship and cooperation to rebuild war-torn Afghanistan, is finally nearing completion and set to meet its December 31 deadline. ... The key reason behind the project was Delhi's willingness to emphasise its position in the region as the main development partner of Afghanistan. When he inaugurates the Parliament building, Modi wants to emphasise India's role as amajor player in the region.

- The government has invested around $220 million the new Afghan parliament building which comprises of four sections, including A,B,C and D. Section-A is the main parliament hall where the lawmakers in the Lower House of the Parliament – Wolesi Jirga will hold parliamentary sessions. Section-B is comprised of a four storey building which will include two halls for general sessions, separate dining halls for the Lower and Upper House of the Parliament. A library will also be included Section-B of the new parliament building which will include a computer room. The Section-C of the new parliament building is known as the entrance hall which will have a dome constructed of stainless steel and glass which will have five halls for parliamentary commissions in the second floor. The new parliament building is being built in 40.6 hectares of land and is five times bigger than the current parliament building. It also consists of 20 lifts, 15 stairs and toilets for men and women in 35 locations.