India Steps Up Efforts to Evacuate Stranded Citizens from Nepal Amid Protests

Government Initiatives to Assist Stranded Indians

The Civil Aviation Ministry of India is actively working to facilitate the return of Indians stranded in Nepal by coordinating additional flights to Kathmandu, as announced by Union Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Wednesday.

The airport in Kathmandu had been closed due to peaceful protests by the youth over the past few days, specifically on Monday and Tuesday. It reopened for travelers on Wednesday, September 10, after a period during which travelers were largely confined to their hotels due to restrictions and a curfew imposed by the Nepal Army aimed at preventing violence.

Naidu mentioned in a post on X that many passengers were unable to return home due to the airport's closure. He confirmed that the Indian government is working with Air India and IndiGo to bring back those stranded in Nepal.

With the airport now operational, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, in collaboration with Air India and IndiGo, has arranged for additional flights this evening and over the coming days, alongside the resumption of scheduled services starting tomorrow. The airlines have been instructed to maintain reasonable pricing during this period.

Naidu emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and support of passengers during this challenging time.

Air India to Operate Special Flights

In response to the government's initiatives, Air India announced on Wednesday that it will be conducting extra flights to Kathmandu to assist in the evacuation of stranded Indians.

The airline stated that it is operating special flights today and tomorrow from Delhi to Kathmandu and back to aid passengers affected by the recent events in Nepal. Regular operations are set to resume from tomorrow.

Impact of Protests on Indian Citizens

The protests in Nepal have led to significant unrest, with Tribhuvan International Airport experiencing violence as demonstrators set fire to key government buildings, resulting in the tragic deaths of 19 individuals due to police actions.

This turmoil has left many Indians stranded in Nepal. Consequently, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Nepal until the situation stabilizes.

For those currently in Nepal, the MEA advises remaining indoors, avoiding public areas, and following any local safety advisories issued by Nepalese authorities and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.