Riyadh, April 26: India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhail Khan, visited Mecca on Sunday to review the arrangements made for Indian Hajj pilgrims. He welcomed the first group of Indian devotees who arrived in Mecca by train from Medina.
During the visit, India’s Consul General in Jeddah, Fahad Suri, and Consul for Hajj, Sadaf Chaudhary, were also present, as announced by the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia on their social media account.
The embassy stated that a significant number of Indian travelers will use the Haramain High-Speed Railway for their journey between Mecca and Medina this year. This railway will also facilitate travel between Jeddah and Mecca, making the journey faster, safer, and more comfortable for pilgrims.
On April 18, the first group of Hajj 2026 pilgrims departed from Delhi Airport for Mecca, with the Delhi Hajj Committee Chairperson, Kausar Jahan, present at the airport.
Several facilities have been introduced for Hajj this year, including enhanced digital services through the ‘Hajj Facilitation App’ and the ‘Hajj Facilitation Smart Band,’ which will assist in locating and helping travelers.
A shorter 20-day Hajj option has also been introduced to provide more convenience for pilgrims. Additionally, the government has increased the insurance coverage for each traveler to approximately ₹6.25 lakh, strengthening financial and health security during the journey.
Around 60,000 pilgrims will benefit from the high-speed train service between Mecca and Medina, ensuring a swift and comfortable travel experience. Furthermore, real-time monitoring of travelers, a grievance redressal system, improved medical checks and health facilities, and better arrangements for accommodation and transportation in Saudi Arabia have also been established. Hotel-like accommodations are being provided in Mecca.