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Several initiatives have been taken by Government, to drive India’s maritime and logistics sector to boost the connectivity of its neighbourhood with its trade partners globally. T he Associated Chambers of Commerce of India also called ASSOCHAM India is taking continuous steps to invite stakeholders for discussing the Augmenting Trade Potential of the country through Inland Waterways and Coastal Shipping. The objective is to promote integrated waterways as a preferred mode of transportation of cargo enhancing domestic and regional connectivity and to identify strategies for creating opportunities in Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) the sector through private investments and incorporating new business models. Amitabh Kumar, Director General Shipping, Govt of India , said “The linkage of inland waterways to coastal waterways is not only time being but essential. Embarking the major project of shifting cargos from rail and road to inland waterways. There is a possibility of increasing the navigable waterways if we use the canal system to it. We have 1429 vessels registered under the merchant shipping act. More than 900 vessels are operating at coastal routes.” The government is more centric on increasing the movement of passengers as compared to cargo as both movements are equally important for the growth and revenue. Looking at the GDP on the rate of return on the particular river or waterways it will be beneficial to understand that passenger is as important as cargo movements. Bombay Port Trust is the finest example of moving from cargo to passenger. The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) in partnership with Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), has organized the conference for the stakeholders to interact on the augmenting trade potential through Inland Waterways and Coastal Shipping. The government officials, logistics service providers and key stakeholders connected to this conference to engage and exchange perspectives in the sector and share the latest developments, policy updates, market insights, and business prospects. Source: https://www.constructionweekonline.in