JEDDAH: A high-level delegation from India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs has reviewed preparations for Hajj 2026 during an official visit to the Kingdom, with officials highlighting significant improvements aimed at ensuring a safer, more comfortable and spiritually enriching pilgrimage for Indian visitors.
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah hosted a press briefing outlining key logistical, infrastructural and technological measures being implemented this year.
India will facilitate 122,518 pilgrims through the Hajj Committee, and about 52,000 private pilgrims, in what officials have described as a large-scale logistical operation.
Among the key initiatives this year are the introduction of smartwatches integrated with the Haj Suvidha application to monitor pilgrims’ health and location; and the first instance of 100 percent accommodation in the Markaziya area of Madinah, with hotel-style facilities aimed at improving convenience and accessibility.
Ram Singh, the joint secretary at the Ministry of Minority Affairs, said India had secured its highest-ever Hajj quota and emphasized that preparations had adhered strictly to timelines.
He said: “Every year there is some improvement in Hajj arrangements, and this year too, several firsts have been introduced. We have ensured contract-secured visas, maintained close coordination with authorities in the Kingdom as well as Indian stakeholders, including airlines, health and immigration authorities, and strictly followed all timelines.”
Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri described the accommodation in Markaziya as a major milestone.
Suri said: “This is the first time we have achieved 100 percent accommodation in the Markaziya area. It significantly enhances convenience and accessibility for pilgrims, contributing to an improved overall experience.”
Shanavas Chandamkuzhiyil, the CEO of the Hajj Committee of India, said preparations were underway across multiple levels to manage logistics.
He added: “This is a massive logistical exercise involving multiple airports and airlines, with extensive coordination at both national and local levels.”
Flights to Madinah will begin on April 18 with final arrivals scheduled for May 20, while return flights will operate from June 2-13.
Chandamkuzhiyil stressed the importance of training, adding that pilgrims attended multiple sessions at state and district levels, supported by trained personnel who assisted them throughout their journey.
He added that all pilgrims were medically screened in line with regulations, ensuring compliance with health requirements set by authorities.
The delegation also highlighted special arrangements for women pilgrims traveling without a mahram, with around 5,300 such pilgrims expected to travel in dedicated groups with separate transportation and female support staff.
