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What types of goods have been transported on the Brahmaputra River?

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Map showing the course of the Brahmaputra River as it flows from southwestern China through northeastern India and into Bangladesh, with surrounding countries including Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Afghanistan labeled. The river's path is highlighted in blue, and major international boundaries are marked. — Brahmaputra River Brahmaputra River.

The Brahmaputra River serves as a vital inland waterway for the transport of various goods. Powered launches, steamers, and local craft navigate the river to carry:

Bulky raw materials1
Timber1
Crude oil1
Agricultural and rural products, including jute, tea, and grain2

Historically, the river was a major route for transporting tea and jute from Assam to Kolkata, though this trade was significantly disrupted following the 1947 partition of British India. Today, freight services continue to operate between major hubs such as Guwahati and Kolkata. In addition to commercial cargo, the river remains a critical route for passenger ferries, which serve as an essential means of crossing the water throughout the region.231