Roundtable Discussion 

Riverine Connectivity and India-Nepal Relations

14th May, 2024

Background

Nepal boasts multiple perennial Himalayan rivers that can be materialized into alternative route of multimodal transport connectivity in the neighboring countries like India and Bangladesh and ultimately reach the Bay of Bengal and access into the Indo Pacific region. Development of waterways as an alternative means of connectivity has been in discussion in Nepal and with India as well. However, in Nepal the concern of multi modal transportation has been subjugated by roadways, airways and railways and the water is excessively associated with hydropower generation.

River navigation and the possibility of developing waterways yet hasn’t been fully exploited.   Either lack of awareness, concrete policy, coherent research or public discourse need to be further emphasized.

On this background, AIDIA in collaboration with Asian Confluence is hosting a roundtable discussion on "Riverine Connectivity and India-Nepal Relations" on 14 May 2024 in Kathmandu. The roundtable is a prelude to the fourth edition of Asian Confluence's flagship dialogue NADI to be hosted in September 2024. Experts and practitioners specializing connectivity and river management will grace the event and will have profound discussion of the issues at hand.

Program/Agenda

11 AM-12:30 PM

11:00-11:05 AM- Welcome Remarks: Ms Sajina Rai, Program Director, AIDIA

11:05-11:15 AM- Special Address/Presentation: Mr. Sabyasachi Dutta, Executive Director Asian Confluence

11: 15-11:25 AM- Special Address/Presentation: Mr. Ashish Gajurel, Executive Director, Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board (NITDB)

11:25 AM- 12:25 PM: Discussion

12:55-12:30 PM- Closing Remarks: Mr. Jay Nishaant, Distinguished Fellow, AIDIA