Sparing the Haj pilgrims from the burden of increased aviation fuel cost, the government today said there would be no change in the airfare and they would be charged as before.

"The fare to be charged from the pilgrims for Haj 2008 will continue to be Rs 12,000 per pilgrim. There will be no increase," Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi said after a meeting of the Union Cabinet.

As many as 1,23,211 pilgrims will travel on subsidised fare this year as compared to 1.15 lakh in October last year, he said.

Dasmunsi said Indore would be a new embarkation point in addition to the 16 existing centres for the Haj this year.

The Haj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia will commence next month.