Mumbai: In a swift and well-coordinated response, the MSRTC deployed eight air-conditioned Shivneri buses to facilitate the onward journey of 252 tourists who were stranded in Kashmir due to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The tourists were airlifted to Mumbai via special flights on Thursday night.

The first flight carrying 175 tourists landed at Terminal 1 of the Mumbai airport around 9:30 PM, followed shortly by a second flight with 77 passengers.

Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik personally welcomed the returning tourists at the airport, offering reassurance and overseeing the transportation arrangements.

“Our commitment is to stand by the people of Maharashtra in any crisis,” Sarnaik said. “Under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, we ensured the safe return of every stranded tourist from Kashmir. Their comfort and safety were our top priority.”

In addition to organizing the buses, Sarnaik instructed officials to provide refreshments and meals to all passengers during their onward journey. The prompt and thoughtful arrangements were met with gratitude by the returning tourists.