Only Two Pune-Based Private Haj Operators in 2026 List; Activists Urge Pilgrims to Remain Cautious
Pune, 9th September 2025: The Ministry of Minority Affairs has released its provisional Haj 2026 policy notice, listing only two Pune-based private Haj tour operators with official quotas. The development has prompted community leaders and activists to caution applicants against dealing with unlisted agencies.
Social activist and Haj awareness campaigner Saleem Mulla expressed concern over the growing number of unauthorized operators in the city. “Details of many Pune-based private Haj operators collecting money from applicants don’t find their mention in the list. I urge applicants to be vigilant and instead opt for the Haj Committee of India, which is a safer and more transparent option,” he said.
Two Pune Operators Listed with Provisional Quotas
According to the Ministry’s notification, the two Pune-based private operators recognized under the Travelexpresso Hospitality Private Limited group are:
Al Ansaar Pune Tours and Travels Pvt Ltd
HGO ID: MH01643225 | Category: CAT-I | Provisional Quota: 78 pilgrims
Poona Travels Pvt Ltd
HGO ID: MH01641225 | Category: CAT-I | Provisional Quota: 78 pilgrims
These firms are part of CHGO number 7, Travelexpresso Hospitality Pvt Ltd, led by M/s Akola Haj Tours. The quotas, officials clarified, are provisional and meant to help operators begin arrangements with Service Provider Companies (SPCs) in Saudi Arabia. Final allocations will depend on Saudi government approval, document verification, and the outcome of the Qurrah (lottery).
Quota Split Remains 70:30
The policy maintains the 70:30 quota distribution, with 70% of pilgrims traveling through the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) and 30% through private operators (CHGOs). The Ministry has assumed the quota size will remain the same as 2025, pending confirmation from Saudi Arabia.
Private operators approved in 2025 will continue in 2026 if they meet all documentation and payment requirements. Each Combined Haj Group Operator (CHGO) must submit a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) detailing the division of quota among its member operators. The Ministry has urged timely payments and confirmations to prevent last-minute disruptions, as witnessed in 2025.
Activists Recommend Safer Route via Haj Committee
Amid concerns over fraud and unauthorized agents, activists have reiterated the importance of applying through official channels. “People often fall for promises of faster or more comfortable Haj arrangements,” Mulla said. “But without verification, applicants risk losing money or being left stranded. The Haj Committee remains the most secure and transparent process.”
How to Verify and Apply
Officials have advised prospective pilgrims to check the Haj Committee of India’s official website or contact local Haj offices before making any payments. The Ministry has also announced updates to its HGO portal to make operator information more accessible.
The notice is seen as part of the government’s efforts to tighten oversight of private Haj operators and prevent fraud, ensuring smoother arrangements for the 2026 pilgrimage.
