According to a PIB release, informing the Rajya Sabha yesterday Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said that the number of pilgrims for Haj 2009 will be around 1, 21,500. The cost of travel per pilgrim for airlines has increased considerably mainly due to increase in input costs, increase in embarkation points etc. However, the amount charged per pilgrim as travel cost had remained static since 1994.
Patel also mentioned that the fare being charged per pilgrim for Haj 2009 is Rs 16,000. The total cost of Haj operations for the carriage of pilgrims this year is expected to be Rs 67,000 per pilgrim, out of which Rs 51,000 will be borne by the Indian government as subsidy. The following facilities are provided to the Haj pilgrims by Air India: Free baggage allowance of 45 kgs per pilgrim; Provision of ten litres of zam zam water free of charge to each pilgrim and carriage of same; Box meal is provided to the pilgrims on departure from India and arrival into Saudi Arabia; All other facilities as provided to the international passengers. |