Jaipur: In the wake of recent incidents involving safari vehicles at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR), the forest department has tightened norms for registration and renewal of safari vehicles for the 2026-27 tourism season, with a focus on improving passenger safety and gradually replacing the ageing fleet.Under the new norms, existing six-seater gypsies that are over 11 years old will not be eligible for renewal for the 2026-27 season. A senior forest department official said, “Only vehicles meeting the prescribed age and safety standards will be considered for renewal. For new registrations, department has specified new BS-6 4×4 jungle safari vehicles with an authorised seating capacity of at least eight persons.”For canters, existing 20-seater vehicles that are not over 11 years old will be eligible for renewal. The notification also allows registration of new 20-seater CNG safari minibuses/canters that meet prescribed specifications.The department has also made provisions for registration and renewal of safari vehicles specially designed to facilitate tourists with disabilities, subject to the prescribed standards.A significant addition to this year’s notification is the introduction of a premium vehicle category. “Vehicles costing more than Rs 50 lakh will fall under the premium vehicle category and applications for their registration will be invited as per the prescribed contractual conditions,” the official said.The new norms will apply for the tourism season from Oct 1, 2026, to Sept 30, 2027.Ranthambore currently has nearly 400 gypsies and a similar number of canters. The vehicles operate inside the reserve on a roster basis, with 144 vehicles, including both gypsies and canters, allowed to operate in a single shift.Travel agent Amit Kumar welcomed the move but raised concerns over the eligibility criteria for renewal. “We welcome the move. However, as per the notification, only existing vehicle owners can apply for renewal. A person who has worked as a driver and wants to become an owner by purchasing his own vehicle will not be allowed to apply. The department should reconsider this and keep the process open to all eligible applicants,” he said.Environmentalists said replacing the ageing safari fleet was necessary to ensure tourist safety, pointing out that several vehicles had deteriorated after years of operating on the reserve’s rough safari routes.“Replacing the fleet is the need of the hour, as many vehicles are in a dilapidated condition after being used on safari routes for a long period, putting tourists at risk,” said an environmentalist. “Attempts have been made in the past to replace the fleet and raise the vehicle-age limit, but the process was put on hold due to political pressure.”
