New Haj House to come up at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai

A new Haj House will be constructed at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai at an estimated cost of Rs 225 crore, aimed at strengthening infrastructure and support facilities for Indian pilgrims undertaking the annual Haj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

The Haj Committee of India on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for the construction of the facility, according to an official release issued by the Press Information Bureau. The project is estimated to cost Rs 225 crore and will be fully funded by the Haj Committee of India.

The project received in-principle approval from the Ministry of Minority Affairs on January 21, 2026, paving the way for its implementation. Under the agreement, CPWD will be responsible for the planning, design and construction of the facility while ensuring adherence to prescribed quality standards and timelines.

The proposed Haj House will function as a transit-cum-training and facilitation centre designed to support pilgrims before they depart for Haj. The facility will provide orientation programmes, training sessions, accommodation and logistical assistance , helping pilgrims prepare for the pilgrimage and ensuring smoother travel arrangements.

Officials said the centre will serve as a modern integrated complex where pilgrims can complete several pre-departure procedures, including guidance on travel formalities, health requirements, documentation and other logistical arrangements related to the pilgrimage. Administrative offices of the Haj Committee and support staff handling pilgrim bookings and coordination are also expected to function from the facility.

The initiative follows a site visit in November last year by Dr Chandra Shekhar Kumar , Secretary in the Ministry of Minority Affairs, who reviewed the proposed layout and technical aspects of the project along with officials from the Haj Committee and CPWD.

The Haj House’s location near the recently inaugurated Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to significantly improve connectivity and logistical convenience for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia. The airport, which began operations in late 2025, is designed to handle about 20 million passengers annually in its first phase , further strengthening travel infrastructure in the region.

Once completed, the Kharghar facility is expected to emerge as a major national hub for capacity building and pre-departure support , assisting Haj pilgrims from across the country and improving the overall management of pilgrimage-related activities.