It has been nearly four months since the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash that took 241 lives. Now, compensation disbursement for victims’ families has finally started, bringing a small sense of relief amid ongoing grief.
Compensation Process Finally Begins
The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust was set up to provide an ex gratia of ₹1 crore to each bereaved family and to rebuild Ahmedabad’s BJ Medical College. So far, payments have been released to over 18 families, with several more awaiting approval.
Families Still Struggle With Delays
Many families are still facing delays and confusion in receiving their compensation. Relatives of crew members like Roshni Songhare, Deepak Pathak, and Maithili Patil expressed disappointment over incomplete paperwork, slow procedures, and poor communication from officials.
Emotional and Financial Strain Deepens
Several families revealed that they have only received insurance payouts so far. The emotional pain remains heavy, as parents continue to mourn their children while also dealing with medical and financial burdens. Maithili’s mother, Pramila Patil, was too grief-stricken to submit her documents earlier but has now begun the process.
Remembering the Crew’s Bravery
Recalling her daughter’s courage, Pramila said that Maithili chose to help passengers instead of saving herself. While the ex gratia amount provides some financial support, bureaucratic hurdles and delays continue to deepen the trauma of families already shattered by one of India’s most devastating air tragedies.
