Tata Sons Establishes ‘The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust’ to Support Air India Flight Victims
Mumbai, July 18, 2025: Tata Sons has officially registered a new public charitable trust named ‘The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust’ in Mumbai, dedicated to providing relief and long-term support to the victims and affected families of the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 accident in Ahmedabad.
A Trust for Immediate and Long-Term Support
The newly formed trust will offer financial aid, medical assistance, and psychological support to the dependents and next-of-kin of the deceased, as well as those injured in the accident. Additionally, it will extend help to individuals indirectly impacted by the tragedy, including first responders, medical professionals, disaster relief teams, social workers, and government staff who played a crucial role in rescue and recovery operations.
Rs. 500 Crore Pledge by Tata Sons & Tata Trusts
In a significant commitment, Tata Sons and Tata Trusts have jointly pledged Rs. 500 crores (with each contributing Rs. 250 crores) to fund the trust’s initiatives. The financial assistance will include:
- Ex-gratia payment of Rs. 1 crore to the families of the deceased.
- Medical treatment coverage for those seriously injured.
- Reconstruction support for the B.J. Medical College Hostel, which suffered damage in the accident.
Board of Trustees to Oversee Operations
The trust will be managed by a five-member Board of Trustees, with the initial appointments being:
- Mr. S. Padmanabhan – Former Tata veteran.
- Mr. Sidharth Sharma – General Counsel, Tata Sons.
Additional trustees will be appointed soon to ensure comprehensive governance.
Next Steps: Regulatory Approvals and Operational Launch
The trust will begin its full-fledged operations after completing necessary tax registrations and regulatory formalities, which are currently in progress.
