The Centre has comprehensively modernised Haj infrastructure across digital, medical and physical domains to ensure a smoother and more comfortable pilgrimage experience, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
Rijiju said that the Haj Suvidha mobile application and a fully digitised portal now enable end-to-end online registration, payments, health data uploads, real-time tracking and feedback, significantly reducing paperwork and improving transparency for pilgrims.
On the medical front, the government has strengthened healthcare support for Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia through round-the-clock clinics, mobile medical teams, dental units and emergency services. These facilities are backed by doctors, paramedics and pharmacists, along with continuous health monitoring during Haj operations.
To improve physical infrastructure and logistics, accommodations in Makkah and Madinah are inspected and booked months in advance to secure closer and better facilities. Transport fleets, airport shuttles and air-conditioned tents in Mina and Arafat have been upgraded, while training facilities at Haj House Mumbai and regional centres have also been enhanced. Infrastructure at all embarkation points across India is regularly reviewed and expanded in coordination with State Haj Committees and other stakeholders, with development works executed by the Haj Committee of India.
Rijiju said the government has also taken several steps to strengthen coordination among the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the Haj Committee of India and State Haj Committees for preparations for Haj 2026. These include periodic review meetings, issuance of detailed operational guidelines and timelines, and regular consultations to streamline arrangements related to accommodation, transport, training and other logistics.
Special emphasis has been placed on the safety and convenience of 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, to ensure better on-ground support. The quality of SHIs has also been enhanced through a computer-based test and interview process.
Additional initiatives include robust pre-departure medical screening, upgraded digital facilitation through the Haj Suvidha App for real-time information and grievance redressal, and improved coordination at embarkation points. For Haj 2026, the government will also provide Haj Suvidha smart watches to all pilgrims to assist with navigation, tracking and emergency alerts in Saudi Arabia.
The minister said focused orientation and training programmes, especially for first-time pilgrims, are being conducted to ensure a safe, smooth and hassle-free Haj experience for all.
