Nizam’s Rubath in Makkah opens doors to stranded AP Umrah pilgrims

Vijayawada: A nearly 166-year-old charitable accommodation facility in Makkah, established by the Nizams of Hyderabad for pilgrims from the erstwhile Hyderabad State, is providing shelter to some Umrah pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh stranded by flight disruptions. The Indian Consulate intervened to facilitate their stay at the Nizam’s Rubath, according to Jani Basha Shaik, regional head of APNRTS in Saudi Arabia.Established around 1860 by Nizam Afzal-ud-Daulah, the fifth Nizam of Hyderabad, the Rubath was intended to provide free accommodation for pilgrims visiting the holy city from the erstwhile Hyderabad State. The facility can accommodate around 700 people, according to sources, and some pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh are currently staying there following the Consulate’s intervention.The accommodation has offered some relief to pilgrims struggling with the cost of an extended stay after their return flights were disrupted. The charitable endowment is maintained under the supervision of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Endowments.Meanwhile, several pilgrims continue to face difficulties arranging their return journeys. Women and elderly passengers, including those with chronic health conditions, are reportedly running short of medicines. Some are also struggling to adjust to local food and meet the expenses of an extended stay, sources said.While passengers who can afford fresh tickets are exploring alternative travel arrangements, others remain stranded because they cannot bear the additional cost. A Kadapa-based IT professional was able to explore an alternative journey because he could afford the expense, according to a source familiar with the case.Pilgrims are considering alternative departure points based on their home regions and available connections. Some from Rayalaseema are exploring flights from Bengaluru, while others are looking at Hyderabad and Lucknow, depending on seat availability, fares and onward connectivity.Although discussions on special flights are continuing, no special flight specifically for Andhra Pradesh pilgrims has been confirmed, sources said. They added that the Andhra Pradesh government had not responded to requests for assistance so far. The situation remained unchanged on Wednesday, with pilgrims awaiting clarity on their return arrangements.In a statement, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah said it was facilitating food, essential medicines and other immediate assistance through its control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah, with support from Indian community associations and volunteers.The Consulate was also coordinating with Indian airlines over cancellations and refund-related difficulties and connecting Umrah tour operators with airlines operating services to India to explore alternative travel arrangements.Such arrangements depend on seat availability, applicable fares and airline requirements. The Consulate has advised affected pilgrims to remain in contact with their airlines and Umrah service providers.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Vijayawada | Silver Rate in Vijayawada | Bank Holidays in Vijayawada | Public Holidays in Vijayawada | Petrol Price in Vijayawada | Diesel Price in Vijayawada | CNG Price in Vijayawada | LPG Price in VijayawadaStay updated with the latest Vijayawada news. Download the TOI App.