Bhubaneswar: Today, Suresh Pujari, the Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, virtually inaugurated the third pilgrimage train for the financial year 2026-27 under the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY) from Lokseva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.

This pilgrimage train, which began its journey at Sambalpur Railway Station, is transporting 775 elderly passengers along with 25 escort officers from eight districts in Odisha: Sambalpur, Anugola, Baragada, Balangir, Jharsuguda, Subarnapur, Sundargada, and Deogada. The travelers will visit the significant religious sites of Varanasi and Ayodhya.

The BNTYY initiative aims to provide senior citizens in Odisha with a well-organized and secure means to visit important religious landmarks. Accompanying escort officers are present throughout the journey to offer assistance and ensure smooth coordination.

During this pilgrimage, the elderly participants will have the chance to immerse themselves in the spiritual, religious, and cultural heritage of Varanasi and Ayodhya. The train is set to return to Sambalpur on September 27, 2026.

The virtual flag-off event was attended by various senior officials and dignitaries at Sambalpur Railway Station, including Sangram Keshari Mohapatra, the RDC of Sambalpur, Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar, the Collector & District Magistrate of Sambalpur, Rehan Khatri, the Commissioner of Sambalpur Municipal Corporation, and Sudhansu Kumar Bhoi, the ADM of Sambalpur, among others.

The launch of the third BNTYY pilgrimage train for the fiscal year reinforces the State Government’s dedication to providing safe and enriching pilgrimage experiences for senior citizens, allowing them to embark on journeys filled with faith, devotion, and cultural exploration.