Riverine trade is the lifeline for Western Europe. Nearly one tonne Hundreds of large freighting boats make their way across the continent. They ferry coal, cars, food and other essentials from countries to ports across the continent. Rivers such as the Rhine, Danube, and others are the engines of trade and growth in Europe. This industry generates employment, driving economic growth, and enhancing social development. The recent efforts by South Asian countries to restore their ancient inland waterways, which previously served as vital transportation channels for goods and people across their borders and into neighboring countries, are promising development.

These renovations will facilitate trade, attract investments, and spur growth in the region.

Over 600 million individuals reside near the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers in Bangladesh and India, with millions more located near navigable tributaries. Utilizing water transport for moving goods is a more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to trucks on congested highways. However, much of the cross-border river traffic linking Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and landlocked Nepal and Bhutan was disrupted following India’s partition and the ensuing conflicts.

Therefore, reviving and integrating the extensive network of inland waterways with coastal shipping is crucial to expanding trade in the region. With a fully functional system, a vessel could collect freight across the region.