Bhubaneswar: Following the Chilika boat tragedy in which as many as four persons including two children died recently, the Odisha Commerce and Transport department has amended the Odisha Boat Rules.
Following the amendment, all the passengers travelling in a licensed boat will be covered by life insurance.
Currently, there are 2,409 boats in operation in 135 water bodies and 747 ghats across the State. Out of these, 1772 boats are licensed.
Officials said, in a bid to provide insurance to the passengers, the Transport department will spend Rs 1 crore.
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The licensed boats will be provided with 2,750 life jackets, 550 life buoys and 110 fire extinguishers. Moreover, the Transport department will soon launch a helpline with a toll free number, which will be displayed on each ghats and boats, informed sources. The seating capacity will also be mentioned on the boat.