By Abdul Rahman M. Baig
Jeddah – The Consulate General of India today hosted a media briefing at its premises regarding preparations for Hajj 2026 operations. The session was attended by Shri Ram Singh, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Minority Affairs, New Delhi; Shri Shanavas Chandamkuzhiyil, CEO of the Haj Committee of India; Shri Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, Consul General of India; Ms. Sadaf Choudhary, Consul for Hajj and Commerce; and Shri Imam Mehdi Husain, Head of Chancery and Consul for Press and Information.
Addressing the press conference, the Consul General of India Shri Fahad Ahmed Khan announced that a total of 122,518pilgrims would travel for Hajj through the Hajj Committee of India, including approximately 5400 women undertaking the pilgrimage without a mahram. An additional 52,507 pilgrims are expected to arrive via private Hajj tour operators from various parts of the country.
He further stated that the first flight carrying Hajj pilgrims is scheduled to arrive at Prince Mohammad Bin AbdulazizInternational Airport in Madinah on April 18, 2026. The final inbound flight is expected to land at King AbdulazizInternational Airport in Jeddah on May 22, 2026. Return flights will commence on June 2, 2026, with the last departure scheduled for June 30, 2026.
He added that based on last year’s Hajj experience, arrangements have been significantly improved for Indian pilgrims. In Madinah, all pilgrims will be accommodated in hotels located in the Markazia (central) area around the Prophet’s Mosque, ensuring convenient access to the Haram and enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience.
In Makkah, hotel-style accommodation has been introduced for all Indian pilgrims, marking an upgrade from the previous year. Round-the-clock transportation services will continue to operate, enabling pilgrims to attend prayers at the Grand Mosque, with expanded bus routes and additional sub-pickup points across the city.
A key highlight this year is the expansion of the Haramainintercity travel service between Makkah and Madinah. Initially introduced on a pilot basis last year, the service catered to 16,000 pilgrims. Encouraged by positive feedback, particularly regarding time savings and convenience, the capacity has now been increased to 61,000 pilgrims, covering nearly half of those travelling under the Hajj Committee of India.
Significant infrastructure upgrades have also been implementedin Mina and Arafat. Air conditioners, which replaced air coolers last year, will continue to be used, supported by improved fixed camp structures to enhance cooling efficiency. Additional facilities such as overhead luggage racks and shoe racks have been introduced inside tents to address space constraints. Sofa beds have replaced traditional mattresses, offering flexibility for seating during the day.
Furthermore, green turf carpets have been laid across camps, along with shaded areas and refrigerator units installed in common corridors. These upgrades are aimed at improving comfort and convenience for pilgrims.
He also noted that close coordination has been maintained with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj to ensure adherence to primary guidelines for Indian pilgrims.
Concluding his remarks, he stated that the Indian Consulate is fully prepared for the upcoming Hajj season, with all arrangements progressing as planned. He highlighted the strong coordination with local authorities and noted that close collaboration has been maintained with concerned agencies both in Saudi Arabia and India. He also expressed gratitude for the excellent support extended by all stakeholders.
Shri Ram Singh, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Minority Affairs, highlighted that one of the ministry’s key initiatives in recent years has been the Haj Suvidha application. Building on this digital push, smartwatches have now been introduced and integrated with the application. These devices will enable the Consulate officials and staff to better locate and monitor pilgrims, assist in tracing missing individuals, and respond more effectively to emergencies during Hajj rituals.
He further noted that a comprehensive Hajj mission framework has been established with the support of the Indian Consulate. This includes over 200 administrative staff and more than 350 medical and paramedical personnel, who will operate clinics and observation centres in Makkah and Madinah, for the benefit of Indian pilgrims.
In addition, more than 30 functional desks including the Haram Task Force will be set up to assist and guide pilgrims during their stay in Makkah, with similar support arrangements in Madinah.
Shri Shanavas Chandamkuzhiyil, CEO of the Haj Committee of India, said that given India’s diverse culture, languages, and cuisine, comprehensive multilingual training sessions have been conducted for pilgrims across various states. Trainers have been assigned at a ratio of one for every 150 pilgrims, conducting multiple sessions at the district level. State Hajj inspectors, also at a ratio of one per 150 pilgrims, will accompany the pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, providing guidance and support throughout their 40–45-day stay.
For the first time, the Haj Committee has introduced a short-term Hajj package of 20–25 days, with around 10,500 pilgrims opting for this option. Pilgrims will depart from 17 different airports across India, with seven airports also serving the short-term package. Five airlines—two Indian carriers, Air India Express and Akasa Air, and three Saudi carriers, Saudi Airlines, Flynas, and Flyadeal—will operate the flights to and from the kingdom.
Additionally, selected deputations from the Ministry of Minority Affairs, including Hajj superintendents, officers, coordinators, medical doctors, and paramedical staff, will assist pilgrims.
He further added that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced medical eligibility criteria for Haj pilgrims. In compliance with these rules, every pilgrim in India underwent medical screening before visas were issued.
He also highlighted the introduction of smartwatches for pilgrims, particularly to assist older individuals who may not be tech-savvy. The simple smartwatch comes with an inbuilt SIM and 1GB of data through an Indian telecom operator partnered with a Saudi provider. It does not require Wi-Fi, and is easy to use—pilgrims only need to wear and charge it as needed. The device will allow authorities to monitor each pilgrim’s location, helping reduce cases of missing persons and ensuring a safer Hajj.
“Our primary goal is to bring Indian pilgrims safely to the Kingdom and return them safely to India after the Hajj rituals,” he said, adding that these measures aim to make this year’s pilgrimage smoother and more secure for all Indian pilgrims.
The media briefing concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Shri Imam Mehdi Husain, Head of Chancery and Consul for Press and Information.
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