Bhubaneswar, Oct. 25: Nayagarh police today launched an e-rickshaw service for senior citizens visiting offices of the police superintendent and the district collector.

Inspector general of police, central range, S.K. Priyadarshi launched the service today. According to district administration officials, on an average 20 senior citizens from various parts of the district regularly visit both the offices for various problems, especially land and safety related issues.

In the first phase, one such vehicle rolled out today and the service is free of cost. The vehicle will be stationed at Nayagarh bus stand from where the elderly people will be taken to the offices.

Nayagarh police superintendent Kanwar Vishal Singh said the service was launched after they found that the senior citizens visiting the district collectorate and district police headquarters were facing difficulty in covering the 5km distance from the bus stand.

"In the next phase, another vehicle will be provided for the senior citizens. A constable-rank policeman will operate the vehicle," said Singh.

The police said the battery-operated vehicle cost around Rs 1.3 lakh and could accommodate six people at a time.

"The service will also help in promoting green energy. It will be provided on a pilot basis. We will take feedback about the service in next one or two months and accordingly increase the number of vehicles," said Singh.

The senior citizen cell functioning from Nayagarh town police station today also issued 100 identity cards to the elderly people.

"We briefed them about the dos and don'ts to be followed by them for a safer and secure life. An additional official of the rank of police superintendent has been designated as the nodal officer to monitor the cell and functioning of e-rickshaw," said Singh.