AI SummaryGoa government runs Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana, a free pilgrimage scheme for senior citizens. Under this state scheme, eligible people get one-time travel support in their lifetime to visit sacred holy places outside Goa. Directorate of Social Welfare runs the scheme and arranges the trips in association with Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (GTDC).
Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana was launched on 7 November 2022, before the Assembly polls held in February 2022. For the year 2025-26, the government has planned four pilgrimage trips to Vellankani and Ayodhya. Applications are now accepted online through the official web portal and mobile app at www.yatraconnect.in.
Goa Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana 2026
CM Pramod Sawant flagged off the first bus under Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana on 7 November 2022. The scheme has been revised since then, and the age limit has been widened. Under the revised rules, applicants between 50 and 70 years of age can now apply, while earlier the minimum age was 60 years. One attendant can accompany each applicant free of cost.
For 2025-26, four trips have been arranged in association with GTDC. The trip to Vellankani is scheduled for January 9, 2026, and trips to Ayodhya are planned for January 19, 2026, January 26, 2026 and February 2, 2026. Each tour is conducted for a group of not less than 750 pilgrims, or as per the carrying capacity of the train, whichever is lower.
Eligibility Criteria for Mukhyamantri Devdarshan Yatra Yojana
Applicants must meet the following conditions to apply for the free pilgrimage scheme in Goa:-
- Applicant must be a resident of Goa state.
- Age of the applicant must be between 50 and 70 years.
- Applicant must be physically and mentally fit to travel and should not be suffering from communicable diseases like tuberculosis, heart ailments, leprosy or COVID-19.
- Applicant must not have availed benefits under the scheme earlier.
Selected Destinations under CM Devdarshan Yatra Scheme
As per the latest schedule for 2025-26, the selected destinations under Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana are:-
- Vellankani in Tamil Nadu, a popular pilgrim center known for the Church of Mother Mary.
- Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, the famous holy city of Lord Ram.
Earlier trips under the scheme covered Tirupati shrine in Andhra Pradesh, Vellankani in Tamil Nadu and Shirdi in Maharashtra. The visit to pilgrimages under the scheme is free, and the state government takes care of meals and boarding of pilgrims during the tours.
Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana Application Form PDF
Applications under Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana are now accepted only through online channels. Eligible and interested citizens must register on the official web portal or mobile app at www.yatraconnect.in. Applicants must submit a self-medical certificate or self-declaration on the portal stating that they are physically and mentally fit to travel and free from communicable diseases.
Applicants also need to submit a self-declaration confirming that they have not availed benefits under the scheme earlier. A sanctioning committee headed by the social welfare minister reviews the applications on a trip-by-trip basis. Eligible and interested citizens are requested to register on the portal at the earliest.
Highlights of Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana |
| Launched By | Goa government |
| Beneficiaries | Senior citizens of Goa |
| Age Limit | 50 to 70 years |
| Destinations | Vellankani and Ayodhya |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.yatraconnect.in |
FAQ's
Who can apply under Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana?
Residents of Goa between 50 and 70 years of age who are physically and mentally fit to travel can apply. One attendant can accompany each applicant free of cost.
How to apply for Mukhyamantri Dev Darshan Yatra Yojana?
Applications are accepted only online. Eligible citizens must register on the official web portal or app at www.yatraconnect.in and submit the required self-declarations.
Which places are covered under the scheme?
For 2025-26, the scheme covers Vellankani in Tamil Nadu and Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. Earlier trips also included Tirupati and Shirdi.