The proposed inland port and artificial canal project in Rajasthan’s Barmer-Jalore region has gained fresh momentum, with key technical and feasibility studies progressing to advance the ambitious infrastructure initiative that aims to connect Western Rajasthan with India’s maritime trade network.
The update was shared by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in the Rajya Sabha while responding to a question raised by Madan Rathore regarding the feasibility of developing a new inland port in Rajasthan by bringing seawater inland.
Responding to the query, the Union Minister informed the House that India currently has 12 major ports and 217 non-major ports. He also highlighted that the Centre has approved the development of Vadhavan Port as a greenfield deep-draft port on the country’s western coast.
Referring to the Minister’s reply, Madan Rathore said that a pre-feasibility report has already been prepared for the proposed inland port and artificial canal in the Bakhasar area of Barmer district.
He further informed the House that the Inland Waterways Authority of India has entrusted the Indian Institute of Technology Madras with mathematical modelling and preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for National Waterway-48, covering the Jawai-Luni river system and the Rann of Kutch.
According to the ongoing study, the Bhavatra-Kandla Creek alignment has emerged as the most suitable route for the proposed waterway, although other alignments have also been found to be technically feasible. The traffic study is currently being updated based on these findings.
Describing the project as a transformational initiative for Western Rajasthan, Rathore said the proposed inland port has the potential to significantly enhance industrial investment, trade, logistics, transportation, employment and infrastructure development across the border districts of Barmer and Jalore.
If implemented, the project could become a landmark infrastructure initiative, integrating Rajasthan more closely with India’s maritime logistics ecosystem and creating new opportunities for regional economic growth.