Tata Group Announces ₹1 Crore Compensation for Families of Air India Flight 171 Victims

Company Pledges Immediate Support After Devastating Crash in Ahmedabad

On Thursday afternoon, Tata Group announced a compensation package of ₹1 crore for each family that lost a loved one in the Air India Flight 171 crash, in what the company described as an act of moral responsibility amidst an overwhelming national tragedy.

Flight 171 Vanishes, Crashes Minutes After Takeoff

Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London, disappeared from radar shortly after departing from Ahmedabad at approximately 1:38 PM. Within moments, the aircraft plummeted into a residential area near BJ Medical College, resulting in a fiery explosion that claimed 169 lives and left debris strewn across rooftops in Meghaninagar.

Tata Commits to Swift Compensation and Medical Aid

Speaking to reporters shortly after the incident, a Tata Group spokesperson confirmed that the ₹1 crore compensation would be released to affected families within 72 hours. The official described the gesture not as a legal requirement, but a “moral obligation” to offer some comfort in the face of unbearable loss.

The conglomerate has also pledged to cover hospital expenses for the injured and assist in rebuilding the BJ Medical College hostel, which sustained significant damage during the crash.

Chairman N. Chandrasekaran Offers Condolences

Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran issued a heartfelt statement expressing his grief:
“No words can fully capture the weight of sorrow we bear. From the firm and from me, we are holding the bereaved families close in thought and prayer.”

Search Operations Continue Amidst Wreckage

Emergency responders from the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and city fire departments remain on site, meticulously combing through smoldering aircraft debris and damaged property. Their efforts have been slowed by nightfall, but continue with urgency as they work to recover human remains and personal effects.

Legal Complexities Linger Over Compensation Figures

Despite the Tata Group’s swift action, legal experts and social media users have pointed out that under the Montreal Convention, families may be entitled to up to ₹1.5 crore in compensation. This has sparked discussion over whether the announced relief is adequate or if further legal settlements will follow.

Focus Shifts to Investigation and Long-Term Support

While investigators work to piece together the cause behind Flight 171’s catastrophic failure, the nation grieves. Officials are now balancing two priorities: caring for survivors and families, and answering the urgent, painful question — why did this happen?