AI SummaryHaryana government's Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana is now accepting registrations for senior citizens who want to visit sacred places across India. Under this scheme, eligible residents aged 60 years and above get free pilgrimage travel, with the state covering train tickets, food, and lodging.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini flagged off the first special train from Ambala to Ayodhya on March 28, 2026, sending around 700 elderly pilgrims from several districts on a spiritual journey. Another special train will depart from Kurukshetra to Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded in Maharashtra on May 5, 2026. Registration for this trip is open till April 15, 2026.
About Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana
Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana is a Haryana government scheme that helps senior citizens complete their religious duties without worrying about money problems. The scheme was earlier known as Mukhyamantri Tirth Darshan Yojana and was launched on 5 May 2023. It is now run under the name Tirth Yatra Yojana and is implemented by the Directorate of Information, Public Relations and Languages, Haryana.
Under this scheme, the state government bears the full travel cost of eligible families. This includes train tickets in 3AC class, food during the journey, lodging at the pilgrimage site, and local transport. The scheme covers sacred places of different religions, so people from all faiths in Haryana can benefit. For more details on the scheme, you can check the Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana page.
Senior citizens from families whose annual income is below ₹1.80 lakh can apply through the SARAL Haryana portal. A person can use this scheme once every three years, and seats are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to Apply for Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana
The registration process for this scheme is fully online through the Antyodaya SARAL Haryana portal at saralharyana.gov.in. You can also apply offline at your nearest CSC (Common Service Centre) or SARAL Kendra. Here are the steps to apply online.
STEP 1 - Go to the official SARAL Haryana portal at saralharyana.gov.in. If you are not already registered, click on "Register Here" and complete your registration using your mobile number, email ID, and state details. You will get an OTP for verification.
STEP 2 - After registration, log in with your email ID and password. On the dashboard, click on "Apply for Services" and then select "View all available services".
STEP 3 - In the search box, type "Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana" and click on the scheme name when it appears in the list.
STEP 4 - Enter your Family ID (Parivar Pehchan Patra / PPP number) and click on "Send OTP". An OTP is sent to the mobile number registered with your Family ID. Enter the OTP and click "Verify OTP".
STEP 5 - After OTP verification, select the family member for whom you want to apply. Their details appear automatically based on the Family ID data. Select the pilgrimage destination, then choose the preferred month and railway station from the dropdown menus.
STEP 6 - Fill in the remaining details in the application form, upload the required documents, and submit the form. Save the application number for future reference and status tracking.
Eligibility Criteria for Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana
The Haryana government has kept the eligibility simple and focused on helping people who genuinely cannot afford a pilgrimage trip on their own. To be eligible, the applicant must meet all of the following conditions.
- Age requirement: The applicant must be at least 60 years old. Senior citizens aged 80 and above can bring one assistant along, though the assistant must pay 50% of the travel cost.
- Income limit: Annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹1.80 lakh. This is checked through the Parivar Pehchan Patra (Family ID) database.
- Residency: Only permanent residents of Haryana are eligible. Valid photo identity proof such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, or any government ID is required.
Pilgrimage Destinations Covered
One of the best parts of this scheme is that it covers pilgrimage sites across different religions, so people from all faiths in Haryana can benefit. The government organizes trips by train in 3AC class to the following destinations.
- Hindu pilgrimage sites: Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), and Katra or Vaishno Devi (Jammu and Kashmir).
- Sikh pilgrimage sites: Amritsar (Punjab), Nanded Sahib or Sri Hazur Sahib (Maharashtra), and Patna Sahib (Bihar).
- Muslim pilgrimage sites: Ajmer Sharif (Rajasthan).
Documents Required for Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana
Keep these documents ready before you start the application. All documents must be self-attested copies.
- Aadhaar card - for identity and age verification, since the applicant must be 60 years or above.
- Parivar Pehchan Patra (Family ID / PPP) - required for income and family detail verification.
- Photograph - a recent passport size photo of the applicant.
- Self-declaration of physical fitness - a self-signed declaration that the applicant is fit to travel.
Key Benefits of Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana
This scheme makes sure that money problems do not stop elderly citizens from completing their religious and spiritual duties. Here is what the Haryana government covers fully under this scheme.
All travel expenses are fully paid by the state, including 3AC train tickets for every beneficiary. Food and meals during the journey are arranged by the government. Lodging at the pilgrimage site is also taken care of. The scheme can be used once every three years by the same beneficiary, giving more people a fair chance to benefit. If a beneficiary registers but does not travel, it is counted as one use of the scheme, so applicants should register only if they are ready to travel.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana |
| Launched By | Haryana Government |
| Beneficiaries | Senior citizens aged 60+ years with family income below ₹1.80 lakh per year |
| Benefit | Free pilgrimage including train tickets (3AC), food, and lodging |
| Application Mode | Online (SARAL Portal) or Offline (CSC / SARAL Kendra) |
| Registration Deadline (Nanded trip) | April 15, 2026 |
| Official Website | saralharyana.gov.in |
FAQ's
Can I apply offline for Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana?
Yes, you can apply offline at your nearest CSC centre or SARAL Kendra. The centre staff will help you fill the form and register. You can also use a smartphone at home to apply through the SARAL portal.
What is the last date to register for the Nanded Sahib train?
The registration deadline for the Nanded Sahib (Sri Hazur Sahib) train departing on May 5, 2026, is April 15, 2026. Register as soon as possible since seats are limited.
Can a senior citizen above 80 years travel alone?
A beneficiary above 80 years of age is allowed to bring one assistant on the journey. However, the assistant must pay 50% of the travel expense, either online or at the nearest SARAL centre in cash.
How many times can a family member use this scheme?
A beneficiary can avail the scheme once every three years. Even if the pilgrimage slot is booked but not used, it counts as one use of the scheme for that three-year period.
Is this scheme only for Hindus?
No, the scheme covers pilgrimage sites for multiple religions including Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim sacred places. All eligible residents of Haryana regardless of their faith can apply.