Hans News Service Vijayawada

Ministerfor law and minority welfare NMD Farooq directed officials to make comprehensive and hassle-free arrangements for Haj 2026, as around 2,000 pilgrims from the state are set to undertake the sacred pilgrimage. Of these, 352 pilgrims will depart from the Vijayawada embarkation centre on April 18 and 19.

Chairing a review meeting at Gannavaram, the minister emphasised that all necessary steps must be taken to ensure a smooth experience. He recalled that during the TDP government in undivided Andhra Pradesh, a Haj House with full facilities was constructed in Hyderabad, and later, an embarkation centre was sanctioned with the efforts of then Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

After state bifurcation, AP pilgrims had to depend on other states for embarkation, he said, adding that the Vijayawada embarkation centre was secured again due to the efforts of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. The minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union minority affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, and civil aviation minister K Ram Mohan Naidu.

He further announced that the state government has decided to construct a Haj House in Vijayawada with all modern amenities. The government is also providing financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh to each pilgrim departing from Vijayawada.

The minister instructed officials to ensure special arrangements at the Haj camp, including clear guidance on travel procedures, timely visa processing, dedicated airport counters, separate lounges, and prayer facilities. He called for additional staff deployment, seamless luggage handling, and coordination with the Haj Committee.

Special AC buses will be arranged to transport pilgrims from the camp to the airport. Medical teams, free vaccinations, and ambulance services will be made available. He also stressed strict security measures, traffic management on National Highway-16, and vigilance against cyber fraud.

Adequate drinking water, sanitation, uninterrupted power supply, CCTV surveillance, fire safety measures, and daily media updates were also mandated to ensure the successful conduct of Haj 2026.