UPSC Prelims 2016 Q96: Geography – Transport & Infrastructure Geography
Recently,
which of the following States has explored the possibility of constructing an artificial inland port
to be connected to sea by a long navigational channel?
- (a) Andhra Pradesh
- (b) Chhattisgarh
- (c) Karnataka
- (d) Rajasthan
Answer: (d) Rajasthan
Explanation
Artificial inland port
Rajasthan explored building an artificial inland port at Jalore.
It would be joined to the Arabian Sea by a long navigational channel through the Kutch region of Gujarat.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| State | Rajasthan, which is land-locked |
| Site | Jalore district |
| Route | Channel of over 300 km through the Rann of Kutch to Kori Creek |
| Aim | Direct sea access for trade from north-west India |
The options checked:
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| (a) Andhra Pradesh | Incorrect; it already has a long coast |
| (b) Chhattisgarh | Incorrect; land-locked, but no such plan |
| (c) Karnataka | Incorrect; it has a coast |
| (d) Rajasthan | Correct |
Answer: (d) Rajasthan.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Andhra Pradesh has sea ports and needs no inland port channel.
- (b) Incorrect. Chhattisgarh is land-locked but did not explore this idea.
- (c) Incorrect. Karnataka already has a coastline and ports.
- (d) CORRECT. Rajasthan explored an artificial inland port at Jalore linked to the sea.
Key point
Rajasthan explored an artificial inland port at Jalore, connected to the Arabian Sea by a navigational channel through Kutch.
Remember
Inland port plan = Jalore, Rajasthan.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a coastal State, which would not need an inland port.
- Guessing Chhattisgarh, the other land-locked option.
- Not linking Rajasthan to the nearby Rann of Kutch sea route.
Exam tip
An 'inland port connected to the sea' makes sense only for a land-locked State near the coast.
Sources
- Government of Rajasthan, Water Resources Department — Jalore inland port proposal
- Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways — Lok Sabha reply on inland port at Jalore