The government has floated a global tender seeking applications from shipping firms as part of its efforts to revive an option of sending pilgrims for Haj by sea, Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said today.
Saudi Arabia had earlier given its nod to India's plan to revive the option of sea travel to Jeddah, over two decades after the practice was stopped.
"We have issued a global tender. We have asked for applications from shipping companies," Naqvi told reporters here.
The secretary and joint secretary from the ministry will soon hold talks in Saudi Arabia with officials from its shipping ministry and others on issues related to the travel of Haj pilgrims by sea, he said.
Asked when the sea route would become operational for Haj pilgrims, he said, "We are trying and our goal is for 2019. It will only be from Mumbai."
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