As many as 2,423 Indians have so far returned to Mumbai by 17 “Vande Bharat Abhiyan” special flights organised by the Union Government from various countries.
Of the 2,423 Indians who arrived in the metropolis from various countries till Friday, 903 people are from Mumbai, while 1,139 are from different parts of Maharashtra and the remaining 378 are from other states of the country.
Of the returnees, as many as 1,128 people have been kept in institutional quarantine in 43 hotels across Mumbai.
Till 7, more Indians are expected to arrive in Mumbai from various countries by 13 “Vande Bharat Abhiyan” special flights.
According to a statement released by the State Government, Indians began returning to Mumbai by special flights from various countries since May 10. The last special flight, carrying 196 Indians, arrived in Mumbai from Johannesburg on Friday.
Till date, highest number of 653 people came from United Kingdom, while 243 arrived from Singapore, 150 from the Philippines, 107 from Bangladesh, 201 from Kuala Lumpur 107 from San Francisco, 208 from New York, 195 from Chicago (all USA), 201 from Malaysia, 78 from Ethiopia, 16 from Oman, 29 from Mani1a, 185 from Jakarta, 126 from Johannesburg, 2 from Afghanistan and 2 from Kuwait.
“Till June 7, we are expecting more Indians to return from Jakarta, Johannesburg, London, Manila, Tokyo, Colombo, Mauritius, Nairobi and other countries,” a senior state government official said.
On its part, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reserved 3,342 rooms in 88 hotels in various parts for instructional quarantining of Indians arriving from different parts of the world.
Meanwhile, State Tourism Minister External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and about Vande Bharat Mission phase 3, involving the arrival of flights beginning from June 7.
“This afternoon, Hon’ble minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankarji and I had a telephonic discussion about Vande Bharat Mission phase 3, starting around June 7th to have more flights from and to Maharashtra,” Aditya tweeted, after speaking to the External Affairs Minister on Friday afternoon.
“We positively discussed plans for more flights from various countries all over the world, to bring back our citizens home. Both governments, the Union and the State are working closely to ensure more flights fly to and from Maharashtra in phase 3, and bring back Indians safely.. I thank Minister @DrSJaishankarji for his support and guidance for the same as Hon’ble EAM, “ Aditya added.