Rs 5 Crore Pilot for 5 EV Boats in Bhitarkanika, Govt Offers 50% Subsidy
In the first phase, the government will spend Rs 5 crore to operate 5 EV boats.
Rajnagar: Bhitarkanika is all set to launch a pilot project. EV boats will soon start operating in the rivers of the sanctuary.
In the first phase, the government will spend Rs 5 crore to operate 5 EV boats.
A meeting in this regard was held with boat owners operating in Bhitarkanika rivers, the Collector, DFO and local MLA.
Currently, 21 government boats and 60 private boats take tourists through the Gupti, Khola, Dangamal and Chandbali entry points for rides through the rivers and creeks of Bhitarkanika.
Diesel and petrol boats operating in Bhitarkanika Rivers create noise and air pollution, which impacts the wildlife of Bhitarkanika. To address this, the government has decided to introduce EV boats.
The government has promised a 50 percent subsidy of up to Rs 50 lakh for those willing to buy EV boats. However, private boat owners said they currently operate boats costing Rs 10 lakh to Rs 12 lakh. They have urged the government to provide subsidies for smaller EV boats, and said they are ready to operate them.Tourist footfall to Bhitarkanika is increasing day by day. In 2025-26, 98,036 tourists visited Bhitarkanika.
