Bhubaneswar, May 28:The Odisha government is set to introduce electric (EV) boats at major tourist destinations across the state in a move aimed at promoting eco-friendly tourism and reducing fuel dependency. In the first phase, conventional diesel-operated boats at five locations will be converted into EV boats.

The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC), under the Tourism Department, has already floated tenders for the project. The initiative comes amid the ongoing fuel crisis and increasing focus on environmental protection.

Currently, boating facilities are available at nearly 100 tourist destinations and water bodies in Odisha, including Chilika, Tampara, Ansupa, Silver City Boat Club, Satkosia, Debrigarh, Hirakud and Bhitarkanika. The EV boating system will be implemented in phases.

As per the tender, luxury catamarans along with solar-powered and EV boats will be introduced at selected locations. A 30-seater boat will operate at Kolab in Koraput district, while two boats with 20 and 10 seating capacities respectively will be deployed at Hirakud in Sambalpur district. Similarly, a 20-seater boat will be introduced at Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara district and an 8-seater boat at Barkul in Chilika, Khordha district.

Officials said the boats will also have provisions for solar energy and CNG usage to ensure uninterrupted services for tourists while maintaining environmental sustainability. The Tourism Department has informed that the new boating system is expected to be operational soon.