By: C.P.S. Bakshi, Joint Secretary,Ministry of Minority Affairs, GoI
In recent years, the Government of India has placed extraordinary emphasis on inclusive governance—governance that reaches every citizen, regardless of geography, background, or belief. This commitment is especially evident in the handling of the annual Haj pilgrimage.
Far from being a routine administrative exercise, it is a massive humanitarian, diplomatic, and logistical operation that spans nations and cultures. Guided by the ethos of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, the Government has transformed Haj management into a model of 21st-century service delivery.
Every year, approximately 1.75 lakh pilgrims from India undertake the sacred Haj pilgrimage. Managing such a vast and sensitive operation over a span of four months, through the Haj Committee of India and in close coordination with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), represents a remarkable feat of national coordination, diplomacy, and service. The Government of India, through the Ministry of Minority Affairs, is ensuring that this spiritual journey is not only seamless but also dignified, inclusive, and technologically empowered. In its unflinching commitment to serving all communities without bias, the Government is transforming the Haj experience into one of the most advanced public service operations ever undertaken abroad.
In 2024, the Government launched the Haj Suvidha App to simplify and enhance the pilgrim experience. The App provides real-time access to essential information such as accommodation, transport, and flight details, including information on State Haj Inspectors assigned to each pilgrim, and nearby healthcare and transportation facilities. It also offers features for grievance submission and tracking, baggage tracking, emergency SOS alerts, spiritual content, and real-time notifications.
Last year, over 67,000 pilgrims installed the App, reflecting a high adoption rate. More than 8,000 grievances and over 2,000 SOS alerts were raised and efficiently addressed by the administrative setup established by the Indian Government in the KSA. The SOS and lost pilgrim features were particularly praised for helping locate and assist pilgrims in distress or in need of medical support.
The App’s feedback-driven design enables continuous enhancements during the pilgrimage. Insights gathered from its use during Haj 2024 played a key role in shaping the Haj Policy and Guidelines for 2025. These data-backed decisions exemplify the Government of India’s model of responsive and adaptive governance.
Building on the 2024 success, the Government has now launched Haj Suvidha App 2.0, a comprehensive, end-to-end digital solution covering the entire Haj process. From the digital submission of applications, Qurrah (selection process), publication of waitlists, payment integration, and issuance of Adahi coupons, to cancellation and refunds—the App manages the full lifecycle of the pilgrimage.
The upgraded App enables smooth integration with banking systems, allowing pilgrims to make payments via UPI, debit/credit cards, and internet banking. It also offers real-time flight schedules and electronic boarding passes to streamline travel logistics. A new pedometer feature encourages pilgrims to walk regularly, helping them build the stamina needed for the physically demanding pilgrimage. Real-time weather updates have been added to help pilgrims prepare for and manage the extreme climatic conditions.
India's Haj Medical Contingent, rated among the best globally, provides world-class healthcare through a network of field hospitals and dispensaries in Makkah and Madinah. Emergency support is provided through a fleet of ambulances. This year, the e-health card and e-Hospital module of the Ministry of Health have been integrated with the App, allowing for seamless admissions and improved treatment quality for pilgrims during Haj 2025.
The App’s much-appreciated luggage tracking system has been upgraded with RFID-based tagging, streamlining the process of locating missing luggage and enhancing overall service delivery.
The navigation of Haj rituals has been revolutionized through digital mapping of the Mashaer region, including Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifa. Camp sites are now digitally identified and tracked, reducing the risk of pilgrims getting lost in the desert heat. Additional features such as Namaz alarms, a Qibla compass, and location-based mapping of hospitals, bus stops, service centers, and Indian mission offices greatly enhance the convenience and safety of the pilgrims.
A newly introduced AI-powered chatbot serves as a digital personal assistant, answering common queries in a conversational manner and providing instant support and guidance. This comprehensive set of features underscores the Government's intent to use technology not just as a tool for service delivery but as a means to empower citizens with dignity, convenience, and purpose—even on spiritual journeys.
The Haj Suvidha App 2.0 stands as a path-breaking initiative in India’s digital public infrastructure and a testament to the Government of India's vision to ensure that governance reaches every citizen in a meaningful way. By leveraging technology, India is setting new global standards in pilgrim management, offering a seamless, secure, and spiritually enriching experience to its citizens.
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