By S. FAISAL ALI | ARAB NEWS

JEDDAH: India is exploring the possibilities of leasing buildings on long-term basis for its pilgrims in Makkah, according to K. Rahman Khan, leader of the Haj goodwill delegation.

The proposal to hire buildings on at least 30 years’ lease has been mooted by Consul General Faiz Ahmad Kidwai and is under study at government level in India, Khan told a press conference at the Indian Consulate General.

Kidwai has already initiated talks with two parties in Makkah for constructing buildings as per Saudi standards and the requirements of Indian pilgrims, Khan added.

“We have already identified two plots — one is about 65,000 sq. meters and the other is 50,000 sq. meters near Kudai parking close to Le Meridien Hotel in Makkah,” said Kidwai.

In principle it has been agreed upon between the developers and the consulate that the buildings will be leased for housing Haj pilgrims for 30 years. During the rest of the year, the owners will be free to rent them out to Umrah pilgrims, said Khan, who is deputy chairperson of Rajya Sabha (upper house of Indian Parliament).

“This is a wonderful proposal and the Indian government is studying it. Once the consulate gets a go-ahead, the buildings will be constructed in three years time,” Khan, said.

Kidwai said presently the consulate hires around 600 buildings in different areas of Makkah to accommodate 125,000 pilgrims, who come through the Haj Committee of India.

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Note by the editor:

K. Rahman Khan, deputy chairperson of Rajya Sabha, with other members of the Indian Haj goodwill delegation, pictured after the annual pilgrimage. (AN photo)