India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Khan, visited Makkah to supervise the preparations for Indian Haj pilgrims. He also welcomed the initial group of Indian pilgrims arriving in Makkah from Madinah by train. The Consul General of India in Jeddah, Fahad Suri, and Consul Haj Sadaf Choudhary were present during the visit as well.
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia stated that this year, a significant number of Indian pilgrims will utilize the Haramain High-Speed Railway for travel between Makkah and Madinah, as well as for journeys between Jeddah and Makkah. This mode of transportation aims to reduce travel time, ensuring a safer and more comfortable journey for the pilgrims.
On April 18, the first group of Haj 2026 pilgrims departed from Delhi Airport to Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Kausar Jahan, the Chairperson of the Delhi Haj Committee, bid them farewell at the airport. Noteworthy initiatives for Haj 2026 include enhanced digital services through the Haj Suvidha App and the introduction of Haj Suvidha smart wristbands to aid in locating and assisting pilgrims.
The government has introduced a short-duration Haj option lasting around 20 days for the first time, offering increased flexibility to pilgrims. Insurance coverage per pilgrim has been raised to approximately Rs 6.25 lakh, enhancing financial and health security during the journey. Furthermore, about 60,000 pilgrims will benefit from high-speed train connectivity between Makkah and Madinah, facilitating faster and more comfortable travel for them.
Authorities have implemented improved real-time monitoring and grievance redressal systems, enhanced medical screening and healthcare support, and better coordination for accommodation and transport services in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims will be provided hotel-style accommodation in Makkah to ensure enhanced facilities during their stay.
Haj operations will be carried out through 17 embarkation points across India, including major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Srinagar, ensuring accessibility and efficient logistics. The government emphasized its commitment to the welfare and safety of Haj pilgrims, maintaining close cooperation with Saudi authorities throughout the pilgrimage. Pilgrims have been urged to adhere to guidelines and travel advisories for a secure and spiritually enriching journey.
