Tourists Stranded During Ranthambore Safari, Probe Initiated

Quick Summary

• A safari vehicle (canter) carrying 20 tourists broke down in Zone 6 of ranthambore National Park on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
• The accompanying guide left the scene to fetch a replacement vehicle, leaving the tourists stranded for nearly half an hour as darkness began to fall.
• Heated exchanges between the tourists and guide occurred during this time, parts of which were recorded and later surfaced online.
• following these events, three canter drivers (Kanhaiya, Shehzad Choudhary, Liaqat Ali) and the guide (Mukesh kumar Bairwa) were barred from park entry pending investigation by authorities.
• Assistant Conservator of Forests Ashwini Pratap has been tasked with leading a detailed inquiry into the incident.

Indian Opinion Analysis
This incident highlights operational challenges in managing tourist experiences at high-profile wildlife destinations like Ranthambore National Park. While mechanical issues are often unavoidable in rugged terrains like Zone 6 of such parks, leaving tourists unattended may reflect inadequate contingency planning or staff coordination during emergencies. The subsequent barring of involved personnel indicates that park authorities are taking accountability seriously and seeking clarity through a structured probe.

Such incidents underscore the need for strengthened processes around vehicle maintenance schedules and real-time communication protocols between guides and support staff to enhance visitor safety and satisfaction. As one of India’s most renowned tiger reserves attracting international visitors, maintaining operational efficiency is crucial for preserving both its reputation and also wildlife conservation objectives reliant on tourism revenue.

Read more at The Hindu