In the wake of the tragic terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 innocent lives were lost, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) took swift action to ensure the safety of tourists in the region.
The attack deeply affected the nation, and tensions between India and Pakistan escalated in the days that followed.
Refunds for Canceled Packages
In response to the situation, IRCTC acted responsibly by offering full refunds to tourists who had canceled their Kashmir, Leh, and Manali packages.
The full refund offer was extended to those who chose to cancel their trips due to the growing tensions and safety concerns.
Deadline for Refunds: The refund policy applied to tourists who canceled their packages up until May 22, 2025.
Efforts to Evacuate Stranded Tourists
IRCTC also took immediate steps to evacuate tourists stranded in Kashmir, Leh, and Himachal Pradesh during this crisis.
The organization played a crucial role in ensuring the safe return of travelers amid heightened security concerns.
Tourists in Kashmir: At the time of the attack, 174 tourists were in Kashmir.
IRCTC officials worked tirelessly to evacuate them from Srinagar and transport them to Delhi, from where they were airlifted to their homes.
Tourists in Leh and Manali: In addition to Kashmir, 92 tourists were stranded in Leh and Manali due to the escalating tensions.
IRCTC managed to safely evacuate two groups in Leh and one in Manali, ensuring that all the stranded passengers returned home safely.
A Well-Coordinated Evacuation Effort
Collaboration: IRCTC officials collaborated closely with the Union Territory administration, state governments, and the Border Roads Organisation to facilitate the evacuation.
A 24-hour control room was also set up at IRCTC’s corporate office to coordinate the operations effectively.
Operation Sindoor: During this period, India had launched Operation Sindoor, which included air strikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The heightened security situation made it necessary for IRCTC to take immediate and decisive action to ensure the safety of travelers.
Public Appreciation
IRCTC’s swift and responsible actions were praised by many tourists on social media, with many expressing their gratitude for the company’s professional handling of the crisis.
Passengers commended the efforts of the officials, who went beyond expectations to assist and evacuate the tourists.
