The Maharashtra government has successfully coordinated the evacuation of 182 stranded tourists from Srinagar, ensuring their safe return to Mumbai.
Two specially operated flights by IndiGo and Air India, scheduled for Thursday, are transporting the affected passengers without charge, with the state bearing the full cost. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, who is overseeing the evacuation, confirmed the state’s commitment to alleviating the plight of tourists caught in the aftermath of the violence. Amid skyrocketing airfares from Srinagar—some exceeding ₹20,000 per person—these special flights offer critical relief for citizens unable to afford commercial tickets home. Of the 182 evacuees, 83 boarded the IndiGo flight while 99 took the Air India service. Both flights are scheduled to depart Srinagar by 3 PM and are expected to arrive in Mumbai around 6:10 PM. The initiative comes as airline ticket prices soared following the attack, leaving many tourists stranded and in distress.
The surge in airfare was a direct consequence of the uncertainty and panic triggered by the Pahalgam incident. One-way fares from Srinagar to Pune peaked between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000, while routes to Ahmedabad were quoting prices as high as ₹25,000. In response, Mohol instructed carriers to stabilise fare rates and waive rescheduling and cancellation charges—a directive that airlines have since implemented. Local residents such as Jyoti Zurunge from Pune, currently in Srinagar, shared how the high airfares were trapping people in a situation fraught with emotional and financial strain. “We are all shaken. We reached out to the authorities and local MPs, hoping for government intervention. This move by the Maharashtra government brings much-needed relief,” she said.
While the flights mark a critical logistical success, they also exemplify how governance can prioritise human safety and equity in moments of crisis. The government’s decision to foot the bill not only ensured prompt evacuation but also emphasised that in times of adversity, social responsibility must transcend commercial considerations. These emergency actions also reflect the state’s broader vision of inclusive, people-first governance—one that aligns with the values of sustainability, equity, and resilience. By stepping in decisively, the Maharashtra government not only addressed an immediate logistical challenge but also reinforced its commitment to safeguarding citizens’ rights to mobility, dignity, and safety—regardless of their economic standing.
As flights continue to operate from Srinagar, there remains a strong appeal for continued oversight and fair pricing from airlines, especially during emergencies. The episode serves as a reminder that in a country as diverse and dynamic as India, public-private collaboration must remain accountable to the larger public good.
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