Rajasthan’s First Inland Port in Jalore to Link with Kandla via ₹10,000 Cr Waterway

Rajasthan, a landlocked state known for its deserts, minerals, and rich culture, is set to witness a historic transformation. The state is planning to develop its first-ever inland port in Jalore district, which will be connected to Kandla Port in Gujarat through a major inland waterway project. This ambitious plan, estimated at ₹10,000 crore, aims to give Rajasthan direct access to the Arabian Sea and significantly boost trade and economic growth.

What Is an Inland Port and Why Jalore?

An inland port is a logistics and transport hub located away from the coast but connected to seaports through waterways, rail, or road networks. The proposed inland port in Jalore, located in western Rajasthan, has been strategically chosen because of its proximity to Gujarat and its potential connectivity to natural river systems leading towards the Rann of Kutch and the Gulf of Kutch .

Once developed, the Jalore inland port will act as a gateway for exports and imports, allowing goods from Rajasthan to reach global markets more easily.

The ₹10,000 Crore Waterway Project Explained

The most important part of this plan is the creation of a 262-kilometre inland waterway that will connect Jalore to Kandla Port, one of India’s busiest ports on the western coast. The project will involve large-scale dredging, channel development, and navigation infrastructure to make the route suitable for cargo movement.

A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the inland port and waterway has already been prepared by IIT Madras and is currently under review by the Rajasthan government. The project is being planned in coordination with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), indicating strong central support.

Why This Project Is a Game Changer for Rajasthan

For decades, Rajasthan has depended heavily on road and rail transport to move goods to ports in Gujarat and Maharashtra. This inland port will change that by offering a cheaper, cleaner, and more efficient water-based transport option.

Key benefits include:

• Lower logistics costs for industries
• Faster export movement to international markets
• Reduced pressure on highways and railways
• Environment-friendly transport, as waterways emit less carbon

This project is expected to give a major boost to industries such as marble and granite, textiles, handicrafts, agricultural products, oilseeds, pulses, and millets from Rajasthan.

Employment and Regional Development

The inland port and waterway project is also expected to be a major job creator. During construction and operational phases, it could generate tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Apart from jobs, the project is likely to trigger the development of:

• Warehousing and logistics parks
• Cold storage facilities for agricultural produce
• Industrial clusters near Jalore
• Better road and rail connectivity in surrounding districts

This will help in balanced regional development, especially in western Rajasthan, which has long struggled with limited industrial growth .

Strategic and National Importance

From a national perspective, the project aligns well with the government’s vision of developing inland waterways as part of sustainable infrastructure growth. The proposed route is linked to National Waterway-48, strengthening India’s overall inland navigation network.

For a landlocked state like Rajasthan, direct waterway access to the sea is not just an economic advantage but also a strategic milestone that places it firmly on India’s maritime trade map.

Current Status and What Comes Next

At present, the project is in the planning and approval stage. Once the DPR is approved, detailed surveys, environmental clearances, and phased construction will begin. Given the scale of investment, the project is expected to be implemented in stages with both state and central government participation.

Big Picture

If executed as planned, the Jalore inland port will mark a historic shift in Rajasthan’s economic landscape. From a desert state with no coastline, Rajasthan could soon emerge as a key logistics and trade hub of western India, directly connected to global shipping routes through Kandla Port.

This project is not just about waterways and ports—it is about opening new doors for growth, jobs, and long-term prosperity for Rajasthan.

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