Parliament Question: Modernisation of Haj Infrastructure

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 489 TO BE ANSWERED ON 22/07/2026 MODERNISATION OF HAJ INFRASTRUCTURE

489. SHRI RAJA A:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the details of projects undertaken by the Government for modernising and expanding Haj infrastructure;

(b) the measures being taken to improve coordination between Government, Haj Committee of India and State authorities for Haj 2026 preparations in the country especially in Tamil Nadu;

(c) whether Haj quota for the State of Tamil Nadu would be increased in view of large number of Muslim pilgrims aspiring to perform Haj and increase in the population of Muslims in the State and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the details of initiatives adopted to ensure safety, comfort and logistical convenience of pilgrims especially senior citizens and first-time Haj travelers? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS SHRI KIREN RIJIJU

(a): The Government, through the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Haj Committee of India, in coordination with the concerned authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has undertaken various initiatives to modernise and enhance the infrastructure and facilities for Indian Haj pilgrims. Some of the major initiatives are as follows:

i. Improved Infrastructure at Mina Camps: The traditional accommodation arrangements at Mina have been upgraded by providing sofa-cum-beds, ensuring greater comfort, better utilisation of available space and improved living conditions for pilgrims during their stay.

ii. High-Speed Train Connectivity: Indian Haj pilgrims are facilitated to travel between Makkah and Madinah through the High-Speed Rail, which has significantly reduced travel time, improved safety, and enhanced overall travel convenience.

iii. Haj Suvidha App: The Ministry has developed the Haj Suvidha App, a comprehensive digital platform that enables pilgrims to access important Haj-related services such as travel details, accommodation information, baggage tracking, emergency contacts,grievance redressal, health-related information, and other essential services, thereby improving communication and service delivery throughout the pilgrimage.

iv. Hotel-Style Accommodation in Makkah: Hotel-style accommodation has been arranged for Indian Haj pilgrims in Makkah with improved amenities and services, ensuring enhanced comfort, better accessibility, and a more convenient stay during the Haj period.

(b): 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.

(c): The allocation of Haj quota among States and Union Territories is made in proportion to their Muslim population as per the latest applicable Census data. Accordingly, there is no separate proposal under consideration for increasing the Haj quota of the State of Tamil Nadu.

(d): The Government has taken several initiatives to ensure the safety, comfort and logistical convenience of Haj pilgrims, with special emphasis on senior citizens and first-time pilgrims.

The major initiatives are as follows: i. Mandatory Companion for Elderly Pilgrims: Pilgrims aged 65 years and above are required to be accompanied by a companion to ensure adequate assistance and support throughout the pilgrimage.

ii. Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Every Haj pilgrim is provided with insurance coverage of up to ₹6.25 lakh, offering financial protection in the event of unforeseen contingencies during the Haj journey.

iii. SHI Ratio: For Haj 2026, the State Haj Inspector ratio has been improved to 1:150, ensuring better accessibility and prompt services for pilgrims. iv. Pre-Departure Training: All selected Haj pilgrims are imparted comprehensive orientation and training before their departure to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, covering pilgrimage rituals, travel procedures, health advisories, safety measures, and the use of digital services.

v. Medical Infrastructure in Saudi Arabia: Medical infrastructure comprising hospitals, medical centres and dispensaries is established at key pilgrimage locations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide timely and quality healthcare services during the Haj period. The Government deputes qualified doctors, paramedics and other medical personnel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide medical assistance and emergency healthcare services to Indian Haj pilgrims.

These initiatives collectively aim to provide a safer, more comfortable and pilgrim-friendly Haj experience, particularly for senior citizens and first-time Haj travellers. *****