Tata Group Steps Up After Air India Crash, ₹500 Crore Trust To Support Families & Children

Mumbai: On June 12, a heart-wrenching Air India crash in Ahmedabad claimed the lives of 271 people. The crash not only took away lives but also left several families in pain and need. Now, the Tata Group has come forward to support these affected families.

Rs 500 Crore Trust for Long-Term Help

Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, has planned a special trust for the victims’ families. In a recent board meeting, Chairman N. Chandrasekaran presented the idea. Sources say Tata Sons has sought approval to allocate up to Rs 500 crore for this trust.

This fund will cover:

- Compensation to the families of the deceased

- Medical treatment of the injured

- Repair of damaged property in the affected medical college (hit by the plane debris)

Earlier, Tata Sons was considering creating two separate trusts—one for Indian citizens and one for foreigners who died on the flight. The final trust, however, will aim to support all victims, including British nationals who were also on board.

Support for Daily Needs and Education

This isn’t just a one-time donation. The trust will provide long-term financial and emotional support. It will help families with:

- Medical care

- Children’s education

- Daily expenses

- Other essential needs for years to come

The trust will soon be officially registered and start helping victims’ families both in India and abroad.

Experienced Hands to Lead the Initiative

The trust will be handled by P.B. Balaji, the CFO of Tata Motors. He brings years of financial and compliance experience. Tata wants to ensure the trust’s work is transparent and follows all regulations.

People outside the Tata Group will also be involved in the trust to make sure everything is fair and clear. Additionally, Tata Trusts—the group’s long-standing charitable arm—may also contribute funds to the initiative.

Inspired by the 26/11 Relief Model

This trust is inspired by the Tata Group’s response to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, where it supported employees and their families through a similar long-term fund. Like before, this new trust will not just give a one-time payout, but will stand by victims’ families for years to come.