Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has said that Saudi Arabia has given green signal to India's proposal to revive option of Haj pilgrimage through sea route. In a tweet, Mr Naqvi said, it will be a revolutionary, pro-poor, pilgrim-friendly decision. He said, sending Haj pilgrims through ships will help cut down travel expenses significantly. Mr Naqvi said, officials from both countries will discuss all formalities and technicalities so that Haj through sea route can be re-started in coming years. <br/><br/>The practice of ferrying Haj pilgrims between Mumbai and Jeddah by waterways was stopped from 1995. Saudi Arabia Haj Minister Dr. Mohamed Bentin and Mr Naqvi, who is on a Saudi Arabia visit, have signed bilateral annual Haj 2018 agreement in Makkah. <br/><br/>For the first time, Muslim women from India will go to Haj without Mehram, male companion. He said, separate accommodation and transport have been arranged for these women pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Women Haj Assistant will be deployed for their assistance.