Pune will be better embarkation point for Hajis: Shaikh

Mumbai, Aug 3 (UNI) A member of the Central Haj Committee of India Haji Ebrahim Shaikh has proposed introducing Pune as the embarkation point for Haj pilgrims, as many of them find it difficult to travel from far away places in Maharashtra to the Metropolis.

Mr Shaikh, who was recently appointed Haj Committee member, said that by introducing Pune as an embarkation point for Haj pilgrims wishing to travel to Mecca and Medina, a lot of difficulties of the pilgrims would be reduced, according to a release issued here today.

He said as many as 1,600 Hajis come from places like Pune, Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli and Miraj, who have great difficulty in travelling to Mumbai to travel forward to Mecca and Madina, which in turn also increases the workload of the Haj Committee.

By introducing Pune as an embarkation point, the hardships of the Hajis will reduce and it will also considerably reduce burden of the Haj Committee of Mumbai, he said.

This would also be cost effective as the airport tax in Pune will be lower than Mumbai airport, which in turn will fetch additional savings to the Haj Committee of India and also minimise Hajis expenses, Sheikh added.

UNI GS ZA RP AS1741