Kendrapara: Environment-friendly electronic rickshaws introduced at Bhitarkanika National Park to ferry tourists are lying defunct after its launch two years ago.

These battery-operated six-seater noiseless and smokeless three-wheeler carriages were popular with the visitors. But these carriages have developed technical snags due to alleged lack of periodic maintenance by the authorities concerned.

These electronic rickshaws were launched at the park following a suggestion made by an Assembly committee. A tourist had to pay Rs 10 for a ride to the national park from the Dangmal ferry ghat.

"We have written to the manufacturer to get these carriages repaired and are hopeful that these vehicles would become operational soon," said forest range officer Akshyaya Kumar Nayak.

An official said that the department was also planning to procure new electronic rickshaws for the convenience of tourists.

The absence of these carriages has inconvenienced elderly people the most, as there is no motorised mode of transport to cover the 2km stretch. Visitors have to walk to reach the core area of the park.

"During my trip to the park last year, commuting on the battery-powered three-wheelers was an enjoyable experience. This time it was a trouble walking the distance in the absence of e-rickshaws. They should be relaunched for the benefit of visitors," said Anupam Mohapatra, a tourist from Bhubaneswar.