Varanasi-Haldia inland waterway to boost exports in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh government is set to leverage the Varanasi-Haldia inland waterway to boost exports, including those of farm commodities and manufacturing goods. The government is targeting increasing of merchandise exports from Rs 1.56 trillion to Rs 3 trillion in the next three years. The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector contributes 75 per cent to the state’s export basket.
 

The plan is to harness easy and cheaper cargo movement from Varanasi through the Ganga to the seaport in West Bengal to export agricultural and horticultural produce, dairy products and MSME items. Growing number of expressway projects, coupled with