India, Dec. 15 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
The Government of India has comprehensively modernized Haj infrastructure across three key areas, Digital Infrastructure, Medical Infrastructure and Physical Infrastructure. The Haj Suvidha Mobile App and fully digitized portal now enable end-to-end online registration, payments, health uploads, real-time tracking, and feedback to ensure hassle free experience for the pilgrims. To address medical needs of the pilgrims, round-the-clock clinics, mobile medical teams, dental units, and emergency services are operational in Saudi Arabia, supported by doctors, paramedics and pharmacists, and health monitoring. To address pilgrims needs for facilities in Saudi Arabia, the buildings in Makkah and Madinah are inspected and booked months in advance to secure closer and better accommodations; transport fleets, airport shuttles, and AC-equipped tents in Mina/Arafat have been upgraded; training facilities at Haj House Mumbai and regional centres have been enhanced. The infrastructure at all embarkation points across India is regularly assessed and expanded in close coordination with State Haj Committees and other stakeholders, with development works executed by the Haj Committee of India. Together, these initiatives have greatly improved comfort, safety, efficiency and accessibility for Indian Haj pilgrims.
The Government has undertaken several measures to improve coordination between the Ministry, the Haj Committee of India, and State Haj Committees for the preparations for Haj-2026. These include strengthened institutional coordination through periodic review meetings, issuance of detailed guidelines and timelines for all operational activities, and regular consultations to streamline accommodation, transport, training, and other logistical arrangements.
The Government has undertaken several initiatives to enhance the safety, convenience, and logistical support of pilgrims, with special focus on senior citizens and first-time pilgrims. Key measures include: Improving the State Haj Inspector (SHI) ratio from 1:300 to 1:200 and further to 1:150 for better on-ground support. Enhancing the quality of SHIs through a Computer-Based Test and interview to ensure deployment of well-trained personnel. Strengthening medical support, including robust pre-departure screening and improved medical arrangements during Haj operations. Upgrading digital facilitation through the Haj Suvidha App for real-time information, guidance, and grievance redressal. Providing Haj Suvidha Smart Watches to all pilgrims for Haj-2026 to assist with navigation, tracking, and emergency alerts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Improving facilitation at embarkation points and enhancing coordination for accommodation, transport, and movement in KSA. Conducting focused orientation and training, particularly for first-time pilgrims. These measures aim to ensure a safer, smoother, and more comfortable Haj experience for all pilgrims.
This information was given by Union Minister of Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
