Rajasthan to get its first inland port, this city to become a new logistics hub! Connected to Kandla via a waterway
Rajasthan, which has been deprived of sea access until now, will soon be connected to the Arabian Sea via a historic waterway. The central and Rajasthan governments have jointly finalized plans to develop the country’s most ambitious inland port in Jalore district. According to financialexpress, this 262-kilometer-long waterway will forever transform the state’s economy and industrial development.
Rajasthan’s Sea Gateway
This port in Jalore district will be directly connected to Gujarat’s Kandla Port. This 262-kilometer-long waterway will ensure direct access to the Arabian Sea. According to Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat, the estimated dredging cost of this mega project will exceed ₹10,000 crore. The Rajasthan government will provide approximately 14 kilometers of land for the project, and the state government will also operate the port once it is completed. This inland port will be developed on the Jawai-Luni-Rann of Kutch river system, which the central government has already designated as National Waterway-48 (NW-48).
‘New Rajasthan’ – A New Era of Development
Minister Rawat described this project as “connecting the western region of Rajasthan not only to the country but to the entire world.” Its completion will open new avenues for trade, industry, and employment in the state.
Economic and Industrial Revolution
- Ease of Freight Transportation: The burden on road and railway freight will be reduced, significantly reducing transportation costs.
- Export Boost: International exports of textiles, granite, guar, pulses, millet, oilseeds, and agricultural products from Jalore, Barmer, and surrounding areas will become faster and cheaper.
- Refinery Benefits: The HPCL Refinery in Balotra will receive a faster and more economical option for transporting crude oil and finished products.
New Business Hubs
New industries, warehouses, cold storage, and logistics clusters will develop in the region. Investors will now benefit significantly from direct sea connectivity, attracting significant investment.
Technical and Administrative Progress
The technical preparations for this ambitious project are nearly complete.
- DPR Ready: IIT Madras has prepared and submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
- Studies and Site Visits: The Rajasthan government is studying the DPR and will soon issue final comments after a site visit.
- Memorandum of Understanding: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this project was signed last month in Mumbai between the Rajasthan River Basin and Water Resources Planning Authority and the Inland Waterways Authority of India.
