The Assam Inland Waterways Company Ltd (AIWCL) has signed an agreement with Bharat A to Z (BAZ) Pvt Ltd to establish a new shipyard at Dharapur near Guwahati. The partners will create Assam Shipyard Pvt Ltd (ASPL) as a joint venture to develop and operate the facility.
The shipyard will build ships, barges, boats, terminals and jetties while also providing repair and maintenance services. The project will start with an investment of ₹75 crore and could create around 900 jobs. Moreover, the facility aims to strengthen cargo movement, tourism and inland water transport across Assam and the Northeast.
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Key Facts
- Project: Shipyard at Dharapur near Guwahati
- Initial Investment: ₹75 crore
- Broader BAZ Investment: ₹475 crore
- Joint Venture: AIWCL and BAZ Pvt Ltd
- Company: Assam Shipyard Pvt Ltd
- Planned Production: 40 barges in five years
- Expected Employment: Around 900 jobs
- Agreement Date: October 7, 2026
- Location: Dharapur, Guwahati, Assam
New Shipyard to Build Ships and Barges
AIWCL and BAZ will establish ASPL to develop and manage the new shipyard. The facility will design, manufacture, assemble and commission ships, barges and other vessels.
In addition, the shipyard will produce boats, terminals and jetties. It will also provide dry docking, marine works, slipways and floating dock services.
Furthermore, ASPL will handle ship repairs, overhauling, servicing and maintenance. These services could support vessel operators across Assam and other parts of the Northeast.
Boost to Inland Water Transport
AIWCL Managing Director Saranga Pani Sarma said the joint venture will strengthen Assam’s inland water transport sector. In particular, the project will support cargo movement and tourism.
The shipyard will also help improve connections between National Waterway 2 and National Waterway 16. As a result, businesses could gain new opportunities to transport goods through waterways.
Assam has already taken steps to expand its role in regional cargo transportation. Recently, an international consignment travelled from Dibrugarh to Bangladesh, highlighting the growing importance of the state’s waterways.
40 Barges Planned in Five Years
BAZ Director Sohel Kazani said the company plans to build 40 barges over the next five years. The project could create around 900 employment opportunities in the region.
Meanwhile, BAZ also plans to manufacture container vessels at the facility. These vessels could reduce transportation difficulties and lower the cost of moving goods between Kolkata and the Northeast.
The company also plans to develop a ship recycling facility. This initiative could help owners replace older vessels with newer ships while supporting the growth of the regional maritime industry.
Specialised Boats for Security and Tourism
The proposed shipyard will serve several sectors beyond cargo transportation. For example, ASPL plans to manufacture specialised boats for security, passenger services and tourism.
The company also plans to produce floating jetties and landing craft for short-sea and island transportation. Therefore, the facility could support both commercial and public transport requirements.
Moreover, the company plans to develop the shipyard as an AI-enabled facility. However, skilled workers will remain central to its operations.
Initially, BAZ plans to bring a small number of specialists from outside Assam to train local workers. Later, trained local employees will gradually take over the shipyard’s operations.
Location Context
Dharapur, near Guwahati, offers an important location for Assam’s expanding inland water transport network. The new shipyard could strengthen cargo connectivity and support tourism across Assam and the wider Northeast.
Questions and Answers
What happened in Assam?
AIWCL and BAZ Pvt Ltd signed an agreement to establish a shipyard at Dharapur near Guwahati.
How much will the shipyard cost initially?
The project will begin with an investment of ₹75 crore.
How many jobs could the project create?
The shipyard could generate around 900 jobs.
How many barges will the company build?
ASPL plans to build 40 barges over five years.
What will the shipyard produce?
The facility will build ships, barges, boats, container vessels, floating jetties and other marine structures.
Why is the shipyard important?
The project could strengthen inland water transport, improve cargo movement, support tourism and create new employment opportunities in Assam and the Northeast.
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