Maharashtra residents stranded in flood-hit Nepal return safely to India
Synopsis
All 106 Nagpur passengers stranded in flood-hit Nepal are back in India — a two-day turnaround after CM Fadnavis personally called Nepal MP Sandeep Rana to arrange four mini-buses from Kathmandu to Janakpur. The episode is a rare, successful instance of state-level diplomacy cutting through a cross-border crisis in real time.
Key Takeaways
Maharashtra residents stranded in flood-affected Nepal safely returned to India , confirmed by the CMO on 29 August .
All 106 passengers from Nagpur departed Kathmandu for Danapur, Bihar after evacuation was coordinated.
Nepal MP Sandeep Rana arranged four mini-buses from Kathmandu to Janakpur following a call from CM Devendra Fadnavis .
PM Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr S.
Jaishankar were credited by Fadnavis for facilitating the Centre's swift assistance.
CM Fadnavis had first spoken to the stranded citizens on 27 August , assuring them of safe return within days.
A group of Maharashtra residents stranded in flood-ravaged regions of Nepal has safely returned to India and is now en route to the state, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) confirmed on 29 August. The evacuation was carried out through coordinated efforts between the Maharashtra government, the Centre, and local authorities in Nepal.
Safe Return and Virtual Interaction with CM
After crossing back into India, the evacuated citizens connected with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis via a video call, expressing relief and gratitude for the state government's swift intervention. According to the CMO, the citizens specifically thanked the Government of Maharashtra and the Chief Minister's Office for their prompt response and coordination throughout the crisis.
Centre's Role in the Evacuation
Chief Minister Fadnavis credited the timely rescue to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, stating that the Centre ensured immediate assistance reached the stranded citizens and made necessary arrangements for their safe movement. The evacuation reflects the Centre's broader consular framework for assisting Indians caught in foreign natural disasters.
Key Logistics: Nagpur Passengers and Nepal MP's Role
In a post on X, the CMO disclosed that all 106 passengers from Nagpur had safely departed from Kathmandu for Danapur in Bihar. Following a phone call from Fadnavis, Nepal MP Sandeep Rana arranged four local mini-buses to transport the passengers from Kathmandu to Janakpur. The group was expected to reach the Janakpur-Bihar border the following morning, with onward buses and a train journey to Danapur arranged thereafter.
Earlier Assurances and Timeline
On 27 August, Chief Minister Fadnavis had spoken directly to the stranded Maharashtra residents in Nepal, assuring them of every possible effort to secure their safe return. The two-day turnaround from that assurance to confirmed evacuation underscores the pace at which both state and central machinery mobilised. This comes amid Nepal experiencing severe monsoon flooding, which has disrupted travel across multiple districts and left several foreign nationals and tourists stranded.
What Happens Next
The returning residents are currently making their way back to Maharashtra, with onward travel arrangements already in place. State authorities are expected to provide further assistance upon their arrival. The episode highlights the importance of bilateral coordination between India and Nepal — two nations that share an open border — in managing cross-border humanitarian situations during natural disasters.
Point of View
Often cited as a diplomatic asset, becomes a logistical vulnerability the moment monsoon flooding closes key routes. India's consular capacity in Nepal has historically been stretched during peak disaster seasons, and this episode, while a success story, underlines the need for a standing cross-border evacuation protocol rather than ad hoc coordination each monsoon cycle.
NationPress
29 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Maharashtra residents stranded in Nepal safe?
Yes. The Maharashtra residents stranded in flood-hit Nepal have safely returned to India as of 29 August and are now travelling back to Maharashtra, according to the Chief Minister's Office.
How many passengers were evacuated from Kathmandu?
All 106 passengers from Nagpur were evacuated from Kathmandu, departing for Danapur in Bihar. Four mini-buses arranged by Nepal MP Sandeep Rana transported them from Kathmandu to Janakpur, with onward buses and a train to Danapur arranged thereafter.
Who helped arrange the evacuation from Nepal?
The evacuation involved coordinated efforts by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, who personally called Nepal MP Sandeep Rana to arrange local transport. PM Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar were credited for ensuring central government support.
When did CM Fadnavis first contact the stranded citizens?
CM Fadnavis first spoke to the stranded Maharashtra residents in Nepal on 27 August, assuring them of the state government's full efforts to secure their safe return. The evacuation was confirmed complete by 29 August.
Why were Maharashtra residents stranded in Nepal?
The residents were caught in flood-ravaged regions of Nepal during severe monsoon flooding, which disrupted travel and left them unable to return through normal routes. Nepal experiences significant flooding each monsoon season, often affecting cross-border movement.
