The government on Wednesday said a pre-feasibility study will be conducted for developing an inland shipping port at Jalore, in Rajasthan.
"The pre-feasibility report of the project will be done by Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) and they will submit the same within five months, duly monitored and guided by Inland Waterways Authority of India," the shipping ministry said in a statement.
Furthermore, the ministry said it plans to commission another study to determine ways in making the Indira Gandhi Canal navigable.
"The state government will take up the study to determine the requirements of width, cross structure along the canal, establishing vertical and horizontal clearance and bridges that need to be replaced with the cost associated with the project," the statement said.
According to the ministry, a new canal is proposed to be dredged between Mori creek and Jalore.
"This canal will be required to maintain a minimum draft of three meters. It is also proposed that existing cherras and rivers, like Luni may be explored for establishing connectivity from Jalore to Mori Creek," the statement elaborated.
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The ministry pointed-out that efforts will be made to desalinate the canal water and use it for irrigation.
In addition to the inland port establishment projects, the government is considering to develop smart cities besides the canal stretch.
The statement further said that the Inland Waterways Authority of India will guide and support Rajasthan government for building an inland shipping port at Jalore.
"Business development opportunities along the canal for limestone, gypsum, lignite and cement factories are to be explored by the state government," the statement added.