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Rajasthan plans to develop an inland port in Jalore, creating a direct waterway link to the Arabian Sea through Kandla Port in Gujarat. The project, backed by the Central government, proposes a 262-km waterway requiring dredging costs exceeding INR 10,000 crore. A draft DPR by IIT Madras is under review, with final approval to follow field assessments. The port is expected to boost trade, industrial growth and logistics efficiency for sectors such as textiles, stone processing, agriculture and oilseeds. Linked to National Waterway 48, the project could generate over 50,000 jobs and support new industries, warehousing and cold-storage facilities across the region.
Rajasthan's Water Resources Minister Suresh Rawat stated earlier this week that an inland port would be developed in Jalore district, creating a direct connection between the state and the Arabian Sea through Kandla Port in Gujarat. He indicated that the scheme, being advanced by the Central government with state-level support, is intended to strengthen trade flows, stimulate industrial growth and improve logistics competitiveness across the region. Advertisement
According to officials, the inland port is planned along a 262-kilometre waterway linking Jalore with the Gulf of Kutch. The proposal incorporates dredging expenses in excess of INR 10,000 crore and is designed to enhance cargo movement while easing pressure on existing road and railway networks. IIT Madras has already submitted a draft Detailed Project Report for the initiative, which is now under examination by departments within the Rajasthan government.
Once field assessments are completed, the state is expected to offer observations on the draft, after which a final DPR will be prepared. Progress on the project will be determined on the basis of this finalised report. Rajasthan is likely to allocate close to 14 kilometres of land to facilitate the development of the port infrastructure.
Rawat explained that the new inland port is anticipated to create growth opportunities for industries across Jalore, Barmer and adjoining areas, particularly those involved in textiles, stone processing, agricultural produce, oilseeds, guar, pulses and millet. He further noted that the HPCL-Rajasthan refinery project in Pachpadra near Balotra would gain from quicker and more economical transportation options once the waterway becomes functional.
The forthcoming port will be connected to the Jawai-Luni-Rann of Kutch river system, which the Union government has already notified as National Waterway 48. Officials added that upon completion, the port will be operated by the Rajasthan government. The improved connectivity is expected to support the creation of new industries, warehouse clusters, cold storage facilities and wider industrial corridors across the state.
A pre-feasibility assessment has suggested that the undertaking could create more than 50,000 employment opportunities across Rajasthan, Gujarat and surrounding regions. Officials also pointed out that direct maritime connectivity is likely to draw significant investment and promote further industrial activity.
The project follows an MoU signed in Mumbai in the past month between the Rajasthan River Basin and Water Resources Planning Authority and the Inland Waterways Authority of India, reinforcing cooperation on inland waterway development.
Source - PTI
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