Rajasthan is all set to say goodbye to being completely landlocked! The state government has announced a massive plan to build an inland port in Jalore district that will connect directly to the Arabian Sea through Gujarat’s Kandla Port. This exciting Rs 10,000+ crore project will use a 262-km waterway and has full backing from the Central government.
Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat shared the big news on Tuesday. He said the Centre will lead the project, with Rajasthan giving full support. The plan is to dredge and develop a long waterway from the Gulf of Kutch right up to Jalore. This will let big cargo ships bring goods in and out cheaply by water, instead of just trucks and trains.
“This inland port will be a game-changer for areas like Jalore and Barmer,” Minister Rawat said. Industries making textiles, stones, guar gum, oilseeds, pulses, millet, and more will get a huge boost. Even the big HPCL oil refinery coming up in Pachpadra (Balotra) will save a lot on transport costs.
The idea isn’t totally new talks have been on for years, and the Jawai-Luni-Rann of Kutch river system is already National Waterway-48. Recently, a fresh MoU was signed in Mumbai between Rajasthan’s water authority and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to push things forward. A detailed study is now happening to pick the best route, like the Bhavatara-Navlakhi path to Kandla Creek.
Experts say this could create over 50,000 jobs in Rajasthan and Gujarat! It will cut down traffic on roads, make exports faster and cheaper, and help Rajasthan grow its industries big time. No more depending only on far-away ports soon, ships could be loading right from the desert state!
People in Rajasthan are super excited. This project shows how the state is thinking big for better trade, jobs, and growth.
