How India's 'Ship of Haj' from Mumbai to Jeddah will benefit poor Muslims

The Modi govt's move will significantly reduce travel costs for Muslim pilgrims

 

 

The Modi administration’s move to re-introduce ship services from Mumbai to Jeddah might prove to be a big boon for Muslims, especially the poorer ones, planning to go on their annual Haj pilgrimage.

The Ministry of Shipping last week published tenders inviting private companies to operate ships between Mumbai and Jeddah. The private contractor who would run passenger ships between Mumbai and Jeddah would have a contract period of five years and be required to operate ships for three months during the Haj season from July to September.

According to the government’s tender, the private