📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Rohit Sharma
Travel
Luxury SUVs like Land Cruiser to be allowed in Ranthambore Tiger Safari from Oct 2026
✍️ Amar Ujala · Rajasthan
🗓 19 Aug 2026, 03:32 PM
👁 2
From October 2026, BS‑6 compliant 4x4 luxury SUVs will be permitted in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve’s safari fleet, following a review after a 21‑tourist injury incident.
The Rajasthan forest department has cleared the way for premium 4x4 vehicles, including models such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and Rover, to operate in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve’s safari circuit starting October 2026. The new fleet will meet the stringent BS‑6 emission standards and will be registered as luxury SUVs, with provisions for CNG refuelling points at designated camps.
The decision comes after a comprehensive safety audit prompted by an incident earlier this year in which 21 tourists sustained injuries during a safari. While the exact cause of the mishap is still under investigation, officials said the introduction of newer, more robust vehicles is intended to enhance passenger safety and comfort.
Authorities expect the upgraded safari experience to boost visitor numbers, especially among high‑end tourists seeking a premium wildlife encounter. The move also aligns with the state’s broader push to modernise its tourism infrastructure while adhering to environmental norms.
The new vehicles will be rolled out in phases, with the first batch expected to be operational by the start of the 2026‑27 tourist season. Rangers will receive additional training to handle the larger, more powerful SUVs on the reserve’s rugged terrain.
The decision comes after a comprehensive safety audit prompted by an incident earlier this year in which 21 tourists sustained injuries during a safari. While the exact cause of the mishap is still under investigation, officials said the introduction of newer, more robust vehicles is intended to enhance passenger safety and comfort.
Authorities expect the upgraded safari experience to boost visitor numbers, especially among high‑end tourists seeking a premium wildlife encounter. The move also aligns with the state’s broader push to modernise its tourism infrastructure while adhering to environmental norms.
The new vehicles will be rolled out in phases, with the first batch expected to be operational by the start of the 2026‑27 tourist season. Rangers will receive additional training to handle the larger, more powerful SUVs on the reserve’s rugged terrain.