IWAI & State Govt of Rajasthan seal pact to develop Jawai–Luni–Rann of Kutch Waterway (NW-48)
JAIPUR : In a historic stride towards enhancing inland navigation and regional maritime connectivity, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Government of Rajasthan have formalized a partnership to develop the Jawai–Luni–Rann of Kutch stretch as National Waterway-48 (NW-48). The initiative marks a transformative moment for Rajasthan as it moves closer to securing direct access to the sea for the first time.
Under the proposed plan, Rajasthan will establish its first inland port at Jalore, enabling seamless cargo movement from the state to the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Kutch. The waterway corridor — extending through Rajasthan and Gujarat — is envisioned to support large-scale movement of agricultural produce, minerals, industrial goods, and emerging sectors including petrochemicals and green energy.
A Draft Detailed Project Report, prepared after extensive field assessments, is currently under review by IWAI and state authorities. The project is estimated to require significant navigational infrastructure, including channel development and dredging, to ensure year-round vessel movement. Once operational, the waterway is expected to reduce logistics costs substantially and open new avenues for export-oriented industries in western Rajasthan.
Officials anticipate major socio-economic benefits, including new employment opportunities, industrial corridor development, enhanced rural connectivity, and strategic support for large projects such as the upcoming refinery in the Barmer region. The inland port is also expected to evolve into a multimodal hub, integrating road, rail, and water transport for smoother freight handling.
The collaboration aligns with the national vision of strengthening inland waterways as green and efficient transport corridors, and the announcement carries special significance under the ongoing India Maritime Week 2025, which celebrates advancements in India’s maritime and logistics sector.
With work now moving into the detailed planning stage, the Jawai–Luni–Rann of Kutch waterway stands poised to reshape Rajasthan’s economic geography, turning a landlocked state into an emerging participant in India’s maritime growth story.