Haj pilgrims from the North-East would no longer have to go to Kolkata to board flights for Jeddah, as the Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati would provide such services from next year, Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi has said.
Speaking at the farewell-function, 'albida', for the pilgrims before their departure for Mecca on Sunday, Mr Gogoi said he had talks with Civil Aviation Minister Shahnawaz Hussain regarding direct air services for the region's Haj pilgrims and the latter agreed to provide such services from next year. Keeping in view the increasing number of Haj pilgrims from the region every year, the government would provide suitable land for the construction of 'Haj House' for the pilgrims' benefit, Mr Gogoi said. The function was organised by the Assam State Haj Committee.
Bureau Report