New Delhi, Sept 20 (UNI) The India-Iran Chabahar Port Development will offer a 'win win' situation for stake holders including Afghanistan and several Central Asian countries, Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari said here today amid indications that the project can be operational by December 2018. "We are on the stage of execution of the project as both sides are committed to it," Mr Gadkari told journalists at the Foreign Correspondents' Club at an interaction here. "This project will open plethora of opportunities for investors both in Iran and India and also work as a growth engine for Afghanistan," he said in presence of envoys of both these countries. Speaking on the occasion, Special Secretary Shipping, Alok Srivastava said, "any body harbouring any doubt on the future of the project be rest assured that all problems and hurdles will be resolved soon." Mr Srivastava also said that putting the project on fast track, stage is also set for India to sanction the first installment of loan to Iran to the tune of Rs 150-200 crore (estimated 10 million US dollars) for the same. The Exim Bank is on the job and "very soon" the loan will be sanctioned. In total the government of India is to provide 150 million dollar loan to Iran for the project -- which was revived in 2014 after installation of Narendra Modi government. Mr Gadkari also said once functional the Chabahar Port will serve as a "growth engine" to India, Iran, Afghanistan and several Central Asian countries. "Logically and strategically, this project is very important for India and it is also a testimony to good and historical relationship between India and Iran," he said. Answering questions, the Minister, however, declined to field queries on matters concerning strategic, diplomatic and issues vis--a-vis the project in Iran saying those subjects do not fall under his Ministry. UNI RBE DEVN PY ADG 2129