Patna, 29 August (H.S.): Around 100 pilgrims from Maharashtra who were stranded in Kathmandu amid severe flooding in Nepal have been safely evacuated with the assistance of the Bihar government and sent to their home state. Acting on a request from the Maharashtra government, the Bihar government made comprehensive arrangements for their relief and safe return as part of a humanitarian effort.

Under the direction of the Bihar Chief Minister and under the supervision of the Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, the Sitamarhi district administration took prompt action on August 28, 2026. All the pilgrims were safely escorted from the Nepal border to Sitamarhi, where arrangements were made for food, drinking water and other essential facilities.

Subsequently, at around 2:30 a.m. on August 29, all the pilgrims were brought from Sitamarhi to Patna. The Patna district administration accommodated them at the O.P. Sah Community Hall, where they were provided with food, accommodation, medical check-ups and other necessary facilities.

To ensure the pilgrims’ safe return home, the Bihar Chief Secretary coordinated with the Chairman of the Railway Board. Following the coordination, two additional coaches were attached to the Patna-Purna Express. At around 7:30 a.m. on August 29, all the pilgrims departed for Maharashtra by train under special arrangements.

After their safe and dignified return arrangements were made, the pilgrims expressed their gratitude to the Bihar government as well as the Sitamarhi and Patna district administrations. They thanked the authorities for their prompt response, sensitivity and coordinated relief efforts carried out amid the flooding.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar