Telangana Readies 23 Flights for Haj Pilgrims

Hyderabad: Telangana state Hajj Committee has made detailed arrangements for pilgrims who will set out for Hajj from May 4.

A total of 23 flights were organized, the last of which was on May 21. Pilgrims are advised to arrive at the House of Hajj 24 hours before departure to collect their Hajj bags containing a smartwatch and ID stickers. Around 9,900 pilgrims, including 6,600 from Telangana and the rest from other states, will travel from the Hyderabad embarkation point.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Hajj Committee chairman Syed Ghulam Afzal Biyabani said that the Central Hajj Committee has asked pilgrims to pay an additional Rs 10,000 as air ticket prices have increased due to high aviation fuel costs.

However, the Telangana committee requested the government to reconsider the issue, stating that pilgrims from other states were already traveling without this extra fee.

Hajj inspectors will assist pilgrims and ensure that facilities are improved. Since more than 50 percent of the pilgrims are senior citizens, special care will be taken during the journey.

Under new Saudi regulations, pilgrims will not be allowed to cook in their rooms; instead you will be given a list of government-approved caterers. Unlike previous years, where men and women sometimes shared the same room, separate accommodation will be provided this year.

He advised pilgrims to strictly follow the rules and not go out between 10 am and 3 pm, especially due to high temperatures. The committee will provide smart watches and offer guidance on wearing ihram, with the help of religious scholars, before departure.