Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 30

Kashmiri pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia for Hajj have expressed concern over revised baggage restrictions ahead of their return journey, saying the curbs and separate transportation of luggage would cause inconvenience and hardship.

The Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee has issued the return flight schedule, with pilgrims expected to begin arriving in Srinagar from June 2.

However, several pilgrims said they were upset over the reduction in baggage allowance and a decision to transport a major portion of luggage by road from Ahmedabad to Srinagar instead of carrying it on the same flight.

Pilgrims said they had initially been informed that each passenger would be allowed 40 kg of check-in baggage, but were later told only 35 kg would be permitted, with remaining luggage to be sent separately.

“We were told that 40 kg luggage would be allowed and charges were taken accordingly. Now we are being informed that only 35 kg is permitted, while our belongings will be transported separately from Ahmedabad to Srinagar. This will create problems for us,” a pilgrim told Greater Kashmir over phone from Saudi Arabia.

Some pilgrims alleged that the arrangement was unfair and that Kashmiri pilgrims were being subjected to restrictions different from those applied elsewhere.

“We feel there are different rules for Kashmiri pilgrims. This is unfair and has left many of us distressed,” another pilgrim said, adding that some were considering boycotting return flights if the issue was not resolved.

Pilgrims also raised concerns over carrying dates and gifts purchased for their families, saying delayed transportation could lead to spoilage or damage.

“We have purchased dates and gifts for our families. Since these are sacred items, any delay in transportation may damage them. Besides, people belong to different districts of Kashmir and collecting luggage from Srinagar will itself become difficult,” another pilgrim said.

Executive Officer of the J&K State Hajj Committee Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi said the revised baggage arrangement had become necessary due to operational constraints linked to runway maintenance at Srinagar Airport.

“As per the guidelines and training provided to pilgrims, the baggage allowance has been 40 kg check-in luggage plus 7 kg hand baggage. However, due to runway maintenance at Srinagar Airport and related operational limitations, airlines have reduced the load capacity,” Qureshi said.

He said Akasa Air, which is operating Hajj flights from Srinagar and other embarkation points, had reduced luggage allowance because of technical limitations.

“For Srinagar embarkation, aircraft cannot land carrying excessive load because the runway is under maintenance. Therefore, 30 kg luggage will be transported separately from Ahmedabad to Srinagar by road, while pilgrims can carry 5 kg check-in baggage and 7 kg hand baggage with them,” he said.

Qureshi said the Hajj Committee was trying to ensure that the luggage reaches Srinagar within three to four days of the pilgrims’ arrival and advised passengers to carry perishable items with them.

“We have requested pilgrims to keep perishable items, including dates or anything that may spoil, within the permissible baggage allowance they carry with them. We are trying to ensure the luggage reaches within three to four days,” he said.

Despite the clarification, many pilgrims said the arrangement would cause difficulties, particularly for those returning to far-flung districts, and urged authorities to review the decision.