Odisha opens applications for senior citizens’ pilgrimage scheme

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has begun the implementation process for the Baristha Nagarik Tirtha Yatra Yojana 2026-27, with applications for the senior citizens’ pilgrimage scheme set to be accepted from July 15 to August 14, Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida announced on Monday.

Launching the scheme’s guidelines at a press conference held at Paryatan Bhawan, Parida said the initiative aims to enable elderly citizens to undertake pilgrimages to prominent religious destinations across the country in a safe, dignified and well-organised manner with government support.

Since its launch, the scheme has benefited over 45,555 senior citizens, allowing them to visit several revered pilgrimage sites across India, she said.

Eligible applicants can submit their applications online through the portal yatra.odisha.gov.in or apply offline by downloading the prescribed application form from the Tourism Department’s website. The guidelines specify the eligibility conditions, application procedure, selection process and other operational details of the scheme.

Parida said the state government remains committed to ensuring that senior citizens can fulfil their spiritual aspirations without financial or logistical difficulties through the flagship programme.

The press conference was attended by Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh, Director of Tourism Deepankar Mohapatra, IRCTC Regional Officer (Bhubaneswar) Anuj Dutta, and senior officials of the Tourism Department and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).