The Kalpasar Project is an ambitious water resources initiative by the Government of Gujarat that envisages creating one of the world's largest coastal freshwater reservoirs through construction of a dam across the Gulf of Khambhat. The project aims to significantly augment freshwater availability and substantially mitigate water scarcity in the Saurashtra region by providing a dependable water source for irrigation and other identified uses.
The project includes a highway-cum-rail corridor over the dam that is expected to reduce travel distance between Bhavnagar and Surat by approximately 179 kilometers, from 356 km through existing land routes to 177 km via the proposed dyke corridor, thereby improving regional connectivity and reducing travel time significantly.
Additionally, the project plans to develop approximately 2,470 MW of hybrid renewable energy capacity on reclaimed land that is currently submerged during high tide. This renewable energy will be utilized for pumping freshwater to meet irrigation requirements in the coastal regions of Saurashtra. The Detailed Project Report incorporates engineering measures, hydraulic studies, and salinity management strategies to address salinity ingress issues.
The Detailed Project Report is currently at an advanced stage of finalization, with ongoing Indo-Dutch technical cooperation expected to strengthen the DPR by incorporating international best practices and advanced technical expertise in coastal engineering, hydraulic modelling, salinity management, climate resilience, and water management. This collaboration aims to enhance the technical robustness of the project and facilitate informed decision-making during implementation.
The information was provided by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on July 27, 2026.