775 senior citizens from Odisha embark on special pilgrim train to Ayodhya and Varanasi

A special pilgrim train carrying approximately 775 senior citizens from five districts of southern Odisha departed for Ayodhya and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh from Berhampur railway station on Saturday, officials reported.

The journey is part of the state government’s Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana.

The pilgrims include 438 from Ganjam, 119 from Nayagarh, 55 from Boudh, 72 from Gajapati, and 91 from Kandhamal districts, accompanied by 25 officials.


The train was flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida in the presence of several officials, including Ganjam Collector Keerthi Vassan V, who wished the pilgrims a safe and pleasant journey.

After visiting temples and other religious sites in Ayodhya and Varanasi, the pilgrims will return to Berhampur on September 24.

Under the scheme, the government plans to run 10 trips from various stations including Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Sambalpur, Rayagada, and Balasore. Earlier, on September 10, another train carrying 775 senior citizens went to Ayodhya and returned on September 15.

The next pilgrim trains are scheduled from Sambalpur on October 8, Rayagada on October 29, and Balasore on November 7.

In addition to free food and lodging, the government has appointed nodal officers, doctors, and nurses to ensure the well-being of the elderly throughout the journey.

[With PTI inputs]