Inauguration of First International Cargo Voyage from Dibrugarh to Dhaka via Brahmaputra

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal will inaugurate a historic international cargo voyage from the Bogibeel terminal in Dibrugarh, Assam, on October 5, 2026. Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma is scheduled to join the ceremony virtually as the chief guest. This voyage is being seen as the beginning of a new era for riverine trade in Assam since independence.

The cargo consists of methanol produced by Assam Petro-chemicals Limited, which will be transported to the Pangaon port in Dhaka, Bangladesh, via National Waterway-2 (Brahmaputra River) and the India-Bangladesh Protocol Route. This marks the first time that goods are being shipped from Dibrugarh to a foreign port through inland waterways.

Historically, the Brahmaputra River served as a vital link connecting Upper Assam to global markets, with Dibrugarh acting as a major river port. This initiative aims to restore that connectivity. The government is focusing on developing inland waterways as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient mode of transport for the northeastern region.

Several state ministers, including Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Labour Welfare Minister Rameswar Teli, and Industries Minister Bimal Borah, will attend the event as special guests. Additionally, various members of Parliament and state legislative assembly members from the region are expected to be present. The Chairman of the Inland Waterways Authority of India and the Chairman of APCL will also participate.

The event is being organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Inland Waterways Authority of India in collaboration with the Assam government and APCL. The proceedings will be broadcast live on the official YouTube channel of the authority. Further details and updates will be available on the official social media handles of the ministry and the authority.