J-K CM flags Hajj pilgrims' baggage transit issue with Union Civil Aviation Minister, demands swift action
Srinagar, June 1
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister has reached out to Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, seeking his urgent intervention to resolve issues regarding the transportation of checked-in baggage for Hajj pilgrims returning to the Union Territory.
In an official statement shared on X, the Office of the Chief Minister (CMO) confirmed that a formal letter has been dispatched to the Union Minister to ensure the timely and secure delivery of the pilgrims' belongings.
"Chief Minister has written to Union Civil Aviation Minister @RamMNK, seeking urgent intervention to ensure the timely and secure transportation of checked-in baggage belonging to Hajj pilgrims returning to Jammu & Kashmir," the CMO J&K said.
Meanwhile, due to a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued for Srinagar Airport and ongoing runway maintenance resulting in temporary runway length restrictions, payload limitations have been imposed on aircraft operations in the interest of flight safety, according to the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
To avoid disruption to Hajj flight schedules and minimise inconvenience to pilgrims, the return journey of Hajj pilgrims operated by Akasa Airlines to the Srinagar Embarkation Point has been planned via Ahmedabad with 35 kg check-in baggage allowance up to Ahmedabad.
Thereafter, 5 kg check-in baggage per pilgrim will be carried on the Ahmedabad-Srinagar flight, while the remaining 30 kg baggage will be transported separately by road to Srinagar. There is no change in the cabin baggage allowance.
These arrangements have been necessitated solely by airport operational constraints and aviation safety requirements. The Ministry of Minority Affairs, Hajj Committee of India and J&K State Hajj Committee are in constant coordination with all stakeholders to ensure the safe, smooth and dignified return of pilgrims.
Safety cannot be compromised, and all decisions have been taken in the best interests of the pilgrims, the ministry stated.
In Islam, every individual must fulfil five duties (pillars), of which Hajj is one. The other four pillars are Shahada (faith declaration), Salah (daily prayer), Zakat (almsgiving), and Sawm (fasting in Ramadan).
— ANI
Reader Comments
The runway issue at Srinagar Airport is a valid concern, but why did they have to split baggage and send part by road? That 5kg allowance on the Ahmedabad-Srinagar flight seems impractical. What about the elderly pilgrims who may not be able to carry heavy bags? Hope safety measures don't come at the cost of convenience.
Good to see the CM taking proactive steps. The statement from the Ministry of Minority Affairs mentions constant coordination, but let's be honest—pilgrims returning from such a spiritual journey shouldn't have to worry about their belongings being scattered. Also, why Akasa Airlines? Didn't Air India handle these flights earlier? 🤔
This is classic 'Jugaad' management. Instead of fixing the runway issue permanently, they make temporary arrangements that inconvenience hundreds of pilgrims. Safety is non-negotiable, but the government could have planned better. Still, hope the baggage reaches safely—those pilgrims have done their duty to Allah; now it's the government's duty to help them.
As someone whose uncle recently performed Hajj, I can understand the emotional value of these pilgrimages. The baggage may contain gifts for family and sacred items. The announcement that 30kg will be sent by road raises concerns about damage or loss. The CM and Union Minister should ensure a robust tracking system. Also, appreciate the explanation about the five pillars of Islam—it's always good to educate! 😊
This is what I call a 'vegetarian solution'—neither here nor there. They've temporarily solved the problem but created a logistical nightmare. Imagine 30kg per pilgrim being sent by road from Ahmedabad to Srinagar—that
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