Guwahati, Oct. 7 -- The Assam Inland Waterways Company Ltd (AIWCL), a state government enterprise, has signed an agreement with a private firm to establish a shipyard at Dharapur on the outskirts of Guwahati, with the project expected to generate around 900 jobs.

Under the agreement signed on Tuesday, a special purpose vehicle, Assam Shipyard Pvt Ltd (ASPL), will be formed to establish and operate the shipyard, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday.

ASPL will design, manufacture, assemble and commission ships, barges and vessel structures, besides terminals, boats and jetties. The facility will also undertake dry docking, marine works, slipways and floating docks, as well as ship repair, overhauling, servicing and maint...