A group of 102 pilgrims from Nagpur, stranded in Kathmandu following devastating flash floods in Nepal, have safely returned to Maharashtra after coordinated rescue efforts.
- 102 pilgrims from Nagpur and 4 from Vidarbha successfully repatriated.
- Nepal flood death toll has reached 675, with 2,400 people still missing.
- Inter-governmental coordination between Maharashtra CMO and Nepal MP was pivotal.
In a sigh of relief for their families, 102 pilgrims from Nagpur who were stranded in Kathmandu due to catastrophic flash floods returned to Maharashtra on Sunday morning, August 30, 2026. The group, which had traveled to Nepal on August 19 to visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, found themselves trapped as severe weather triggered widespread devastation across the Nepal-Tibet border.
The return operation was executed in phases. While four pilgrims from the Vidarbha region managed to reach Nagpur via flight on Saturday, the larger group of 102 arrived at the Nagpur Railway Station at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Sunday. They were received by Nagpur’s BJP president Dayashankar Tiwari, amidst emotional reunions.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the successful evacuation of the Nagpur group underscores the efficiency of 'Track II' diplomacy—where state-level leaders maintain direct lines with foreign legislators. By bypassing traditional bureaucratic delays, the Maharashtra government ensured the safety of its citizens in a volatile disaster zone, highlighting a critical blueprint for emergency repatriation.
"In the era of climate volatility, the ability of regional governments to coordinate international rescues in real-time is becoming a cornerstone of citizen security."
The journey back was arduous. Pilgrims recounted traveling by bus from Kathmandu to Janakpur in Bihar on August 28, proceeding to Danapur, and finally boarding a train from Patna to Nagpur. However, the homecoming was marred by the news of 72-year-old Nirmala Pandey, who suffered a heart attack in Kathmandu and remains hospitalized under the care of her son.
The scale of the tragedy in Nepal is staggering, with at least 675 confirmed dead and nearly 2,400 missing. In response to the crisis, India has extended significant humanitarian aid, including 68.5 tonnes of relief materials, Bailey bridges, and technical expertise for tunnel construction to assist in Nepal's recovery.
| Group | Mode of Return | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|
| Main Group (102 pax) | Bus and Train (via Bihar) | Sunday, 4:30 AM |
| Small Group (4 pax) | Flight and Train | Saturday Morning |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did the pilgrims travel to Nepal?
The group departed for Nepal on August 19 to visit various pilgrimage sites, including the Pashupatinath temple.
2. Who facilitated the rescue operations?
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Nepal MP Sandeep Rana coordinated the logistics for the safe return of the stranded citizens.
