SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT AND TECHNICAL PROGRESS OF THE KALPASAR PROJECT

The Government of Gujarat’s proposed Kalpasar Project aims to create a large coastal freshwater reservoir by constructing a dam across the Gulf of Khambhat, which is expected to boost freshwater availability and alleviate water scarcity in Saurashtra. The project includes a highway‑cum‑rail corridor that would cut the Bhavnagar‑Surat travel distance by about 179 km, improving regional connectivity. The Detailed Project Report is being finalised with Indo‑Dutch technical cooperation to incorporate best practices in coastal engineering, hydraulic modelling, salinity management and climate resilience. Additionally, around 2,470 MW of hybrid renewable energy is planned on reclaimed land to power freshwater pumping for irrigation. The information was provided by Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary in a Rajya Sabha reply.