Inland waterways need of the hour

At the National Conference on Maritime Infrastructure in India, the challenges plaguing the industry, as well as scope for the future were discussed with great enthusiasm. The conference unanimously agreed upon the need of PPP.

T

he PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry organised a one day conference on Maritime Infrastructure in India in the capital recently.

The Conference was attended by more than 100 delegates representing a wide cross-section of professionals from the logistics industry.

Chief Guest Amitabh Verma, IAS, Chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India (Ministry of Shipping) highlighted the importance of Inland Waterways.

Verma said, “This sector has been neglected all these years and the present government’s initiatives to develop this sector will immensely benefit this sector”. He further stressed upon the need for greater cooperation from state governments to classify rivers in order to map their navigation potential.

“The state governments should provide incentives to industry to create industrial estates near river banks. There is a need to promote private participation for the development of logistics and terminals in inland waterways and barrage construction as well to enhance the dredging capacity”, he stated.

Ashok Mahapatra, Director, Maritime Organization emphasized on the need to develop maritime infrastructure in order to strengthen the country’s position in Global trade. The development of Inland waterways will reduce pressure on the rail and road sector. Sudarshan Das Mundhra, Chairman, Roads, Ports & Other Infrastructure Committee, highlighted the need for dispute resolution mechanism to hasten settlement of disputes. He further stated that all clearances, including environmental, forest and coastal regulation zone, should be in place before projects are put to tender in order to avoid uncertainties.