Over 500 Maharashtra tourists stranded after the Pahalgam terror attack are returning safely due to prompt efforts by the state government. CM Fadnavis and Dy CM Shinde are coordinating evacuations through special flights, with more operations planned to bring everyone home safely.
In the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, over 500 tourists from Maharashtra were left stranded in the conflict-affected region. Thanks to swift intervention by the MahaYuti government, a majority of them have now safely returned to Maharashtra.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been personally supervising the evacuation efforts. Under his direction, two special flights—operated by IndiGo and Air India—were arranged to facilitate the tourists’ return. So far, 184 tourists have landed in Mumbai via these special flights. Another flight, scheduled for April 25, will carry 232 more passengers, including tourists from Akola and Amravati.
The Chief Minister also instructed the Disaster Management Minister, Girish Mahajan, to immediately travel to Kashmir to coordinate the evacuation and provide on-ground support. Fadnavis reviewed the situation closely, even interacting with injured tourists undergoing treatment at an Army hospital via video call. He expressed gratitude to the medical staff for their timely assistance.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is currently in Srinagar to oversee the operation firsthand. He visited the injured at the hospital and reassured them of the government’s commitment. In a post on social media platform X, Shinde said, “It was a challenge to bring everyone back safely, but after talking to them and seeing their fear, I felt it was necessary to be there personally.”
To streamline the rescue process, a three-tier system involving the Mantralaya, the Chief Minister’s Office, and a special cell at Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi has been set up. Requests for evacuation are being addressed from all over the state. Temporary accommodation for stranded tourists has been arranged at Kalika Dham in Jammu, where 14 tourists from Amravati are currently staying.
Many tourists have already proceeded to Delhi from Jammu, and further arrangements are being made for their transport back to Maharashtra. The state government has assured that if needed, more special flights will be operated and all expenses will be borne by the government.
This multi-level, swift response highlights the proactive governance and strong coordination among Maharashtra officials, ensuring the safe return of citizens in the face of adversity.
