New Passenger Light Vehicles (PLVs) will soon replace the Maruti Gypsies used for safaris in tiger reserves, offering increased comfort for wildlife tourists. The new vehicles, designed to seat 8 to 12 passengers, will provide a more spacious safari experience compared to the six-seater Gypsies currently in use.

Chief Wildlife Warden PK Upadhyay recently issued an order mandating the replacement of tourism vehicles that have exceeded their operational period. According to the order, only BS-6 category vehicles will be allowed as replacements. The new fleet will include both Gypsies with 8 to 12 seats and Canters with 18 to 20 seats.

Support For Larger Vehicles

Safari vehicles older than eight years are not permitted in the forests, and with Gypsy production having ceased, the department is exploring alternative options. Balendu Singh, a former honorary wildlife warden, supports the move, noting that larger safari vehicles are common in other parts of the world and can offer a more comfortable experience for tourists.

Feedback of Tourists

Tour operators at Ranthambore National Park have reported that international tourists, particularly from the USA, find the current six-seater Gypsies cramped. The new vehicles are expected to enhance visitor comfort and help curb the black marketing of safari tickets, as more tourists can be accommodated with the same number of vehicles.

NTCA Guidelines

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines allow for a total of 140 vehicles, including 70 Gypsies and 70 Canters, in one shift across the ten zones of Ranthambore National Park. Recently, some safari vehicles have broken down, leading to safety concerns. By 2026, many Gypsies will no longer meet the department’s criteria, making the replacement initiative a timely measure.