Despite the length of the river, the close relative positions of most major port cities means trips across the surprisingly wide river are often longer than trips up- or down-river.
All civilizations in the basket region border the river, and even the Triton of Rasatala have underwater tunnels leading from the Garbhodaka Ocean to the Ghaggar-Hakra River. This river is essential to life, trade, and international relations in general.
It is, partially due to vigilant river policing, a surprisingly calm and safe means of travel.