In a move to boost trade activity in the non-coastal parts of the country, the Centre will facilitate the construction of an inland shipping port at Jalore, Rajasthan, which will connect the State with the Arabian Sea. The Government is aiming to promote transportation of minerals through the newly created waterway.
“The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Shipping proposes to guide and support the Rajasthan Government for building an inland shipping port at Jalore,” said an official statement from the Ministry of Shipping.
The port and the terminal that are to be created will help develop inland navigation facilities in western Rajasthan and will also bring about socioeconomic development of the region, it said.
“Business development opportunities along the canal for limestone, gypsum, lignite and cement factories are to be explored by the state government,” the statement further said.
“A canal is proposed to be built between Mori creek and Jalore. This canal will be required to maintain a minimum draft of 3 metres for movement of smaller ships,” it said.
It added that the pre-feasibility report of the project will be done by WAPCOS and they will submit the same within 5 months, duly monitored and guided by the IWAI.