Odisha Flags Off Third Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Train Under BNTYY
Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, virtually flagged off the third Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY) pilgrimage train for the financial year 2026–27.
The train departed from Sambalpur Railway Station carrying 775 senior citizens and 25 escort officers.
Pilgrims from eight districts — Sambalpur, Anugul, Bargarh, Balangir, Jharsuguda, Subarnapur, Sundargarh, and Deogarh — will visit Varanasi and Ayodhya before returning on 27 September 2026.
The scheme ensures safe, organised spiritual journeys for elderly citizens, with escort officers providing assistance throughout.
Senior officials including RDC Sangram Keshari Mohapatra, Collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar, Municipal Commissioner Rehan Khatri, and ADM Sudhansu Kumar Bhoi were present at the launch.
This marks the third pilgrimage train flagged off in the current financial year, underscoring the Odisha Government’s commitment to supporting senior citizens’ cultural and spiritual aspirations.
