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Rajasthan CM Pushes Waterway Transport Boost for Industrial Exports

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has directed officials to prepare a comprehensive report to advance the proposed National Waterway-48. The project aims to provide waterway connectivity for transporting and exporting goods from the state's industries. Once operational, it is expected to significantly benefit industries in Rajasthan and neighbouring states by enabling seamless cargo movement to the Arabian Sea. The waterway will facilitate the transport of key commodities like petrochemicals, minerals, and cement.

Key Points: Rajasthan CM Reviews NW-48 Waterway Project for Cargo Transport

  • Boost for industrial cargo transport
  • Cuts logistics costs
  • Links Rajasthan to Arabian Sea
  • Transports petrochemicals and minerals
2 min read

Developing waterway transport a key priority, says Rajasthan CM at NW-48 review meet

CM Bhajan Lal Sharma directs officials to advance the Jawai-Luni-Rann of Kutch National Waterway to boost trade and cut logistics costs in Rajasthan.

"ensuring waterway connectivity for the transportation and export of goods... is among the top priorities of the government - Bhajan Lal Sharma"

Jaipur, April 3

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday said that ensuring waterway connectivity for the transportation and export of goods from industries within the state is among the top priorities of the government, and directed officials to prepare a comprehensive report to advance the proposed Jawai-Luni-Rann of Kutch National Waterway.

Chairing a meeting at the Chief Minister's Office on National Waterway-48, Sharma instructed the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and IIT Madras to carry out a detailed assessment of the project's technical and financial feasibility, along with a comparative study on projected vessel traffic for cargo movement.

It may be noted that under the Chief Minister's leadership, the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IWAI on October 27, 2025, for the development of NW-48.

During the meeting, Professor K. Murali of IIT Madras delivered a detailed presentation on the progress and preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). Sharma emphasised that once operational, the National Waterway would significantly benefit industries and traders not only in Rajasthan but also in neighbouring states by enabling seamless cargo transportation.

He said the project would serve as a strong foundation for the state's holistic development, boost trade activity, and substantially reduce logistics costs. He further noted that the operationalisation of NW-48 would enable uninterrupted cargo movement to the Arabian Sea via the Rann of Kutch.

Traversing Rajasthan and Gujarat, the waterway is expected to facilitate the transportation of key commodities such as petrochemicals, minerals, cement, chemicals, and other industrial goods.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary V. Srinivas; Additional Chief Secretary (Water Resources) Abhay Kumar; Additional Chief Secretary (Chief Minister's Office) Akhil Arora; IWAI Chairman Sunil Paliwal; Principal Secretary (Finance) Vaibhav Galriya; and other senior officials from the concerned departments.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see IIT Madras involved. Their technical expertise will be crucial. The focus on petrochemicals and minerals makes sense given Rajasthan's resources. But what about the environmental impact assessment? That should be given equal priority in the DPR.
P
Priya S
Finally some forward thinking! Our state needs infrastructure like this to attract big investments. Jai Rajasthan! The connection to Gujarat ports will open up so many export opportunities. Let's hope the execution matches the vision.
V
Vikram M
A waterway in the desert? Sounds ambitious. The Jawai and Luni rivers are mostly seasonal. I have my doubts about maintaining consistent water levels for cargo vessels year-round. The feasibility study must address this critical point honestly.
R
Rohit P
Good step. But alongside these mega projects, the government should also focus on fixing our existing roads and railways. Last-mile connectivity from industries to this proposed waterway will be just as important. One project cannot solve all logistics issues.
K
Kavya N
As someone from a business family in Jodhpur, this is excellent news. Transporting cement and minerals by road is very expensive and slow. If this waterway becomes a reality, it will directly boost our profit margins and create jobs. Fingers crossed! 🤞

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