Telangana announces ₹5 lakh ex gratia for Umrah bus crash victims, sends delegation to Saudi Arabia

Hyderabad: The Telangana government on Monday announced ₹5 lakh ex gratia for each family of the state’s pilgrims who died in the recent bus crash near Madina, Saudi Arabia. The cabinet also cleared support measures and deputed a delegation to manage coordination overseas.

Advisor to the government Mohammed Ali Shabbir made the announcement after a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. He confirmed that the government would cover all travel, documentation, and funeral costs, whether last rites take place in Saudi Arabia or Telangana.

44 pilgrims confirmed dead in Saudi bus crash

At a press briefing at Dr B.R. Ambedkar Secretariat, Shabbir Ali said 44 people died when a bus carrying Umrah pilgrims from Makkah to Madina collided with a tanker. The crash occurred around 25 kilometres before Madina. Most passengers died on the spot.

He said Chief Minister Revanth Reddy was alerted immediately. The Chief Minister then directed officials to visit the bereaved families and begin support efforts. “The decision to provide ex gratia and send a delegation was unanimous,” Shabbir Ali added.

Delegation to Saudi Arabia to assist families

The state will send a team to Saudi Arabia, including Minority Welfare Minister Md Azharuddin, Nampally MLA Majid Hussain, and the Secretary of the Minority Welfare Department. The delegation will work with Saudi authorities and the Indian Embassy to assist victims’ families and handle transport or burial logistics.

The government also offered support to families choosing burial in Madina Sharif, citing its religious importance. For those wanting to travel to Saudi Arabia to identify the deceased or attend last rites, the state will bear all expenses.

Officials said they have already received the passports of the 44 deceased and begun visa processing. Teams from the Minority Welfare Department and the Joint Director’s office are managing documentation and coordination tasks.

Shabbir Ali said all decisions follow direct orders from the Chief Minister and will be implemented immediately. He assured full administrative and emotional support for the victims’ families, both in India and abroad.