Balasore: In a heartwarming initiative, a special train journey under the ‘Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana’ was inaugurated today, departing from Balasore to cover the sacred destinations of Ujjain and Omkareswar. The train, dedicated to senior citizens, includes 970 participants from Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, and Keonjhar districts of Odisha, accompanied by 30 escort officers.
The virtual inauguration of the trip was carried out by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik. This marks the 6th year of the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana, a scheme launched by the State Government in 2016-17. The initiative aims to fulfill tIRhe spiritual aspirations of economically challenged senior citizens by providing them the opportunity to embark on a pilgrimage. Over the years, 24 such trips have been organized in collaboration with IRCTC, benefitting more than 23,669 senior citizens aged between 60 and 75 years in the state.
In the current financial year, 10 such trips are scheduled, and the special train bound for Ujjain and Omkareswar is the latest in this series. The Chief Minister, in his message, encouraged the pilgrims to seek blessings for their families, friends, and the people of Odisha. He highlighted the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana as a testament to the state’s commitment to providing a fulfilling and dignified life to its senior citizens.
Under the program, the State Government covers travel fare, accommodation, food, healthcare, and other miscellaneous facilities, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience for the participants. The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana continues to stand as a beacon of values and a symbol of Odisha’s dedication to the well-being of its elderly population.