Tata Sons Forms AI-171 Memorial Trust with ₹500 Cr Fund
Mumbai: Tata Sons on Monday announced the formation of a public charitable trust, The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust in memory of the victims of the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 accident in Ahmedabad. The trust, formally registered in Mumbai, aims to offer sustained support and relief to those affected by the incident.
In a joint commitment to the cause, Tata Sons and Tata Trusts have pledged ₹500 crore towards the Trust, with each contributing ₹250 crore. The funds will be used for a range of welfare initiatives, including an ex gratia payment of ₹1 crore to the families of each deceased, medical treatment for the seriously injured, and infrastructural assistance to the B.J. Medical College Hostel, which suffered damage during the accident.
The AI-171 Trust’s scope extends beyond direct victims. It will also support first responders, medical personnel, disaster relief teams, social workers, and government staff who were involved in rescue and recovery efforts, with a focus on addressing psychological trauma and long-term well-being.
A five-member Board of Trustees will govern the Trust. The first two appointees are Mr. S. Padmanabhan, a veteran of the Tata Group, and Mr. Sidharth Sharma, General Counsel at Tata Sons. Additional members will be named in the coming weeks.
Operational work of the Trust is expected to begin shortly, upon completion of tax registrations and other formalities.
This initiative marks a significant humanitarian response from the Tata Group, reinforcing its legacy of corporate compassion and public service in times of national tragedy.
