162 pilgrims from J&K opt for short Hajj, get stay near Haram
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: Hajj pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir have alleged flagged higher travel costs and raised concerns over accommodation arrangements this year, even as officials attributed the disparities to logistical constraints and lower passenger volumes from certain embarkation points.
According to officials, the cost of undertaking Hajj from Srinagar is significantly higher than from major centres like New Delhi, and other metropolitan cities, with the difference this year exceeding Rs 45,000 per pilgrim.
Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi (JKAS), Executive Officer of the Jammu & Kashmir State Hajj Committee, said the variation is primarily due to fewer pilgrims travelling from regional embarkation points such as Srinagar, Guwahati, and other such cities.
“When the number of pilgrims is low, the overall travel cost per person increases. Larger embarkation points like New Delhi benefit from higher volumes, which reduces the per capita expense,” Qureshi said, adding that total Hajj expenses for many pilgrims from J&K have crossed Rs 4.8 lakh this year.
He said that details regarding fares, packages, and payments are communicated to pilgrims well in advance.
“The rates and other payment-related details are notified beforehand, and pilgrims undertake the journey with prior knowledge of the costs involved,” Dr Shujaat said.
While officials stressed that operational factors drive the pricing, pilgrims described the difference as a financial strain.
Abdul Rashid, a pilgrim from Anantnag currently in Saudi Arabia said that they have paid over Rs 4 lakh, and still there is a difference of nearly Rs 45,000 compared to pilgrims travelling from Delhi. For many families, this is a big burden,” he said
Rashid said people save for years for Hajj. When such a gap exists, it naturally raises concerns about fairness.
Another pilgrim, Fatima Begum, said that accommodation in Saudi Arabia has become a concern.
“Almost all pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir have been housed in Aziziyah, a locality about 6–9 km from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, requiring a commute that can take 10–20 minutes or longer during peak hours,” she said.
Fatima said it takes time to reach Haram, especially for elderly pilgrims. We want to offer prayers at Haram as much as possible, but the travel and crowd make it difficult, particularly during busy hours,” she added.
However, Executive Officer Jammu & Kashmir State Hajj Committee Dr Shujaat clarified that accommodation closer to the Grand Mosque has been provided to those opting for the shorter Hajj package.
“About 162 pilgrims from Jammu & Kashmir are performing the short-duration Hajj of around 20 days this year, and they have been accommodated near Haram, adjacent to the Mecca Towers, along with pilgrims from other states,” Dr Qureshi said.
He added that the short Hajj option is designed for those unable to stay for the full pilgrimage period due to personal, health or professional reasons, and offers proximity to the holy site for convenience.
