Did PM Modi’s Quick Response Highlight His Care? Minister Raksha Khadse on the 2024 Nepal Bus Tragedy

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rapid response can mitigate the impact of crises.
- Personal involvement from leadership demonstrates care and commitment.
- International cooperation is essential during emergencies.
- Effective communication is crucial for assisting victims.
- Preparedness in hospitals can aid in quick medical responses.
New Delhi, Sep 15 (NationPress) - Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse stated on Monday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi took personal initiative to ensure the rapid repatriation of bodies following a devastating bus accident in Nepal in 2024, underlining his profound commitment to citizens during crises.
In a video shared on the social media platform X, Khadse recalled the unfortunate incident where a bus carrying around 50 individuals plunged approximately 150 meters into the Marsyangdi River near Kathmandu on April 24, 2024, resulting in about 25 fatalities on the scene.
Upon hearing of the tragedy, she promptly reached out to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) for authorization to travel to Nepal, as the Prime Minister was overseas at that time.
“They had contacted me for assistance, and I was eager to get there as quickly as possible. They were terrified and facing a language barrier,” she explained.
“I made a request to a PMO official, P.K. Mishra (Principal Secretary to PM), who communicated with the Prime Minister, and he swiftly granted me permission to proceed to the site,” Khadse recounted in the video.
She further noted that the Nepalese ambassador was assigned to accompany her to help the victims of the bus accident.
Khadse confirmed her visit to the hospital where the injured were being treated. The hospital staff had prepared the medical reports of the injured in advance, she added.
She also highlighted the cooperation from Nepalese authorities, who completed the post-mortem examinations and handed over the deceased individuals within four hours after the procedures were finalized.
The Union Minister affirmed that the Prime Minister took a personal interest in the situation, ensuring that a defense aircraft was dispatched to transport the bodies back to Jalgaon, where they arrived at 6 p.m.
Khadse described the experience as a moment that illustrated how “good intentions to work” can lead to significant outcomes. She emphasized that the Prime Minister's direct involvement in the crisis demonstrated “how deeply he cared during times of trouble.”