By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
New Delhi: Air India is making arrangements for transportation of 1,10,000 pilgrims under the Government quota besides operating additional scheduled services in case there is need to facilitate the transportation of pilgrims going for Haj through private tour operators. This information was given by Shri Praful Patel, Minister for Civil Aviation in a written reply to a question in the Parliament today,
The Haj Committee has received 1,90,000 applications through the State Haj Committees against the Government quota of 1,10,000. Apart from this 47,000 pilgrims would be going for Haj 2007 through Private Tour Operators. The maximum number of pilgrims who propose to travel Haj 2007 are from Uttar Pradesh – 29,989 followed by Maharashtra – 10016, Kerala 7670, Andhra Pradesh – 6820, Jammu & Kashmir – 6630, Karnataka – 6307, and West Bengal 5819.
The number of pilgrims airlifted by Air India, Indian Airlines and Saudi Airlines during the last three years are 81022 in 2005, 100012 in 2006 – I and 108872 in 2006-II.
The Government provides subsidy in airfare makes arrangements for the transportation of the Haj pilgrims going through the Haj Committee of India and facilitates provision of accommodation and other logistic support for them. In addition of this, the Haj Committee of India provides to the pilgrims information regarding confirmation of their seats, travel documents, transportation, accommodation, medical assistance, release of foreign exchange, information on embarkation points and departure dates etc. Air India allows baggage allowance of 45 kgs. per pilgrim, 10 litre of Zam Zam water free of cost and excess baggage at a subsidized rate.
Hajj this year is expected to be in December.