New Delhi — The government has strengthened the use of digital technology in the management of Haj operations with the Haj Suvidha mobile application and a fully digitised portal enabling end to end online registration and related services for pilgrims, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday.
In a written reply, Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju said the digital platform allows pilgrims to complete registration, make payments, upload health details, track applications in real time and submit feedback online, reducing the need for physical processes. The measures form part of a broader effort to modernise Haj infrastructure ahead of Haj 2026.
According to the reply, the government has undertaken comprehensive modernisation across digital, medical and physical infrastructure to improve coordination between the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the Haj Committee of India and State Haj Committees. The digitisation drive has been aimed at ensuring smoother planning, monitoring and service delivery for pilgrims.
The minister said medical infrastructure for Indian pilgrims has been strengthened in Saudi Arabia with round the clock clinics, mobile medical teams, dental units and emergency services. These facilities are supported by doctors, paramedics and pharmacists, along with systems for health monitoring during the pilgrimage.
On physical infrastructure, accommodation facilities in Makkah and Madinah are inspected and booked months in advance to secure locations closer to key sites. Transport fleets, airport shuttle services and air conditioned tents in Mina and Arafat have been upgraded, while training facilities at Haj House Mumbai and regional centres have also been enhanced.
Online Haj services for better Haj 2026 coordination
The reply said infrastructure at all embarkation points across India is regularly assessed and expanded in coordination with State Haj Committees and other stakeholders, with development works carried out by the Haj Committee of India.
To improve coordination for Haj 2026, the government has put in place periodic review meetings, issued detailed guidelines and operational timelines and held regular consultations to streamline arrangements related to accommodation, transport, training and logistics, the minister said.
Special initiatives have also been undertaken with a focus on senior citizens and first time pilgrims. The State Haj Inspector ratio has been improved from one inspector for 300 pilgrims to one for 200 and further to one for 150 to strengthen on ground support. The quality of inspectors has been enhanced through computer based tests and interviews prior to deployment.
Digital facilitation through the Haj Suvidha app has been expanded to provide real time information, guidance and grievance redressal. The government has also decided to provide Haj Suvidha smart watches to all pilgrims for Haj 2026 to assist with navigation, tracking and emergency alerts in Saudi Arabia.
The minister said these measures are aimed at improving safety, convenience and logistical support to ensure a smoother Haj experience for Indian pilgrims.
