The Uttar Pradesh government will leverage the network of rivers for low-cost passenger and cargo movement in a bid to achieve merchandise exports of Rs 3 trillion in 2-3 years, officials said. According to experts, since inland waterway terminals are directly connected with sea-ports and dry-ports, they could play a vital role as cheaper transport mediums to boost exports of perishable and non-perishable items at reduced costs. Of the 111 inland waterways in India, UP has a dozen waterways in major rivers including the Ganga, Yamuna, Saryu, Betwa and Chambal. Currently, the Varanasi-Haldia inland waterway, operated by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), is operational in UP. The Yogi Adityanath government intends to harness the potential of cargo movement through inland waterways to boost exports of farm and dairy produce, as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) items.