Rajasthan to Get Its First Inland Port: 262 km Waterway from Kandla to Jalore to Boost Trade and Jobs

Rajasthan is planning a landmark inland-waterway project that will connect the state directly to the Arabian Sea. The proposal would create an inland port in Jalore and develop a navigable waterway of approximately 262 kilometres, linking Jalore to Kandla Port in Gujarat via the Jawai-Luni-Rann of Kutch river system. The Economic Times+1

A draft Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by IIT Madras has already been submitted for review and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Rajasthan River Basin & Water Resources Planning Authority and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to take the project forward. Financial Express+1

The scheme is estimated to require over ₹10,000 crore, mainly for large-scale dredging and infrastructure works to make the route navigable year-round. The project is being positioned as part of the development of National Waterway-48 ( Near Rajasthan Leopard Conservation Reserve Jawai–Luni–Rann of Kutch river system ). The Economic Times+1

What the project aims to deliver

• Direct sea access for inland Rajasthan :enabling bulk commodities and industrial cargo to move more cheaply to/from the coast. https://rajasthan.ndtv.in/

• Inland port infrastructure in Jalore including berths, cargo handling, warehousing and logistics support (land allocation for port infrastructure reported). The Economic Times+1

• Industrial stimulus for districts like Jalore and Barmer – supporting textiles, stone, agriculture (pulses & oilseeds) and allied sectors. The Economic Times

• Employment generation : early reports indicate the potential for 50,000+ direct and indirect jobs across Rajasthan and Gujarat during construction and operation phases. The Economic Times+1

Why this matters for businesses and investors

• Reduced freight costs & multimodal options: A navigable inland waterway will relieve pressure on highways and rail, offering a cost-effective option for bulk freight (minerals, agri-commodities, construction stone, refinery inputs/outputs). The Economic Times

• New logistics & real estate opportunities: Demand for warehouses, cold-stores, container yards and ancillary services is likely to rise near the inland port. Bureaucrats India

• Strategic fit with India’s blue-economy push: Connecting a landlocked state to maritime routes expands trade corridors and regional competitiveness. https://rajasthan.ndtv.in/

Challenges & considerations

• Technical & environmental complexity: Large-scale dredging through varied terrain and salt-marsh/seasonal channels (Rann of Kutch) presents technical, sedimentation, and ecological challenges. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and long-term channel maintenance plans will be critical. The Statesman

• Water availability & seasonality: Ensuring adequate draft throughout the year and managing monsoon/seasonal variations will determine commercial viability. The Statesman

• High capital costs & returns: With dredging and infrastructure costs estimated at ₹10,000+ crore, viability depends on sustained cargo volumes, concession models and possible public-private partnerships. The Economic Times

Next steps & what to watch

• Finalization of the DPR by IIT Madras and issue of any environmental clearances. Financial Express

• Detailed financial structuring (central/state funding, PPP options) and timeline for phased construction. Construction World

• Announcements from IWAI and Rajasthan government on land allocation, tendering and project milestones. Free Press Journal+1