The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a swift, coordinated effort to ensure the safety of over 215 Telugu citizens stranded in Nepal amid escalating political unrest. Education, IT, and RTG Minister Nara Lokesh canceled his Anantapur visit and moved to the RTG headquarters in Amaravati to personally monitor the situation.

Nepal has been rocked by intense protests over the past two days, sparked by anger over corruption and governance failures. In this tense environment, the safety of Indian nationals, especially Telugu pilgrims and travelers, is a major concern.

Preliminary reports report over 215 Telugu citizens stranded across Nepal. These include groups in Kathmandu and nearby areas, with detailed breakdowns: 27 in Bafal, 12 in Similkot, 55 at Mahadev Hotel in Pashupati, and about 90 in Pingalasthan near Gaushala, with additional scattered individuals in the city. More names are expected as contacts are made.

Minister Lokesh ordered the setup of a war room at the RTG center to gather real-time updates, monitor safety, and coordinate with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. Helplines and WhatsApp contacts are active to assist stranded citizens and their families.

Lokesh has personally spoken with many stranded Telugu travelers, reassuring them. In one call, Surya Prabha from Visakhapatnam explained she and others were on pilgrimage to Muktinath but are now confined to a hotel due to protests. She recounted their bus being attacked. Lokesh urged calm, instructed them to stay indoors, and assured prompt communication and plans for their safe return.

A high-level review meeting at the Secretariat, led by Lokesh and home minister Anitha, examined real-time inputs and discussed evacuation strategies with the External Affairs Ministry. Updates on the stranded were mandated every two hours, with food, water, and supplies prioritized.

Chillapalli Srinivasarao, Chairman of the AP Medical Infrastructure Development Corporation, was appointed as the nodal officer for medical and emergency support. All government departments are coordinating closely with the AP Bhavan in Delhi, the Indian embassy, and central agencies to expedite evacuations.

Lokesh emphasized that rescuing and bringing Telugu citizens home is the government’s top priority. 

The war room will operate round-the-clock until everyone is safely back.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has activated emergency helplines (+977 980 860 2881 and +977 981 032 6134) with WhatsApp. Andhra Pradesh’s contacts include the

AP Bhavan (+91 9818395787), RTG Helpline (08632381000, Ext: 8001/8005), and APNRTS helplines (0863 2340678, WhatsApp +91 8500027678). Families are urged to use these verified channels for updates and assistance.

Telangana helpline for citizens in Nepal

In response to Nepal’s unrest, Telangana under CM Revanth Reddy activated a helpline at Telangana Bhavan, Delhi, to assist stranded citizens and support their families. Though no injuries or missing reports are recorded, proactive steps are being taken with the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Embassy to ensure safety and swift repatriation. 

Contact officers include Vandhana (+91 9871 999044), G. Rakshith Naik (+91 9643 723157), and Chakravarthi (+91 9949 351270).

The government urges citizens to follow official advisories and avoid sharing unverified information, emphasizing its commitment to their safety.