Surat’s Historical Role as a Hajj Gateway: Struggles for Modern Embarkation Point

SURAT, GUJARAT : From the 16th to the 18th century, Surat port was known as the gateway to Mecca for Hajj pilgrims. Pilgrim vessels from the subcontinent would set sail from Makkai Pool in Surat, a West Indian entrepot once known as Bab al-Makkah (Gate of Makkah). However, during British rule, Surat lost its prominence to emerging port cities like Mumbai and Kolkata, a trend that continues to this day.

Despite its historical significance and the presence of an international airport, Surat’s Hajj pilgrims still have to travel to Mumbai and Ahmedabad to embark on their pilgrimage to Jeddah. This year, approximately 2,003 people from South Gujarat and 2,918 people from five districts of North Maharashtra adjacent to South Gujarat will undertake the Hajj journey through the Gujarat State Hajj Committee. Additionally, about 3,000 pilgrims from South Gujarat, including Surat, will travel separately through private tour operators.

Former additional city engineer of Surat Municipal Corporation and Hajj 2024 pilgrim, E.H. Pathan, voiced the frustrations of many. “Despite Surat International Airport, the question of when Surat will get a Hajj embarkation point remains. Surat is a crucial hub for South Gujarat, North Maharashtra, and the union territory of Daman and Dadra and Nagar Haveli (DHN). Since 2015, there have been continuous submissions to the government for providing a Hajj embarkation point at Surat airport,” he said.

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared Surat airport’s international status, and flights to Sharjah and Dubai have commenced, with services to Bangkok and Singapore planned. Despite this progress, Surat remains without a designated Hajj embarkation point. Currently, 2,003 pilgrims from South Gujarat will have to travel to Mumbai or Ahmedabad for their onward journey to Jeddah.

Pathan highlighted the ongoing struggle, stating, “Looking at the Hajj pilgrims’ statistical data, the number of potential pilgrims from Surat suggests a direct flight from Surat to Jeddah could significantly ease the burden on Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports. Surat’s international passenger data could improve with one more international flight.”

The lack of a Hajj embarkation point in Surat causes inconvenience and additional expenses for pilgrims. Those from Surat, South Gujarat, and North Maharashtra must travel by road or train to Ahmedabad or Mumbai, adding to their financial and physical burden. This situation persists despite multiple representations made at various governmental levels to establish a Hajj embarkation point in Surat.

Pathan emphasized the broader impact, “If a direct flight to Jeddah is allocated, it could reduce the congestion at Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports. Moreover, it would bolster Surat International Airport’s status and potentially increase international passenger traffic.”