Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana

Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana is a state-sponsored scheme by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, that gives financial support to senior citizens aged 60 to 75 to go on pilgrimage tours. Applications for the 2026-27 cycle are open from 15 July 2026 to 14 August 2026, and eligible elderly citizens can apply online at yatra.odisha.gov.in for a free, fully managed trip to religious places across India.

The scheme runs in partnership with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). It is meant for poor and deprived senior citizens of Odisha who want to complete a lifelong wish of Tirtha Darshan, or pilgrimage. The state covers the travel, food, stay and medical support for the selected pilgrims, so eligible people do not have to worry about the cost of the journey.

Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana - Introduction

Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana was launched by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, on 01 February 2016 in collaboration with IRCTC. Over the years it has helped many elderly citizens visit famous pilgrimage centers across the country with government support. The scheme is open to people of all religions and regions.

For the 2026-27 cycle, the department has opened the online registration window from 15 July 2026 to 14 August 2026. Pilgrims travel from designated boarding points in the state to pre-scheduled religious destinations in special trains arranged with IRCTC. The programme is designed to give a smooth travel experience, covering transport, food and accommodation for all eligible participants.

Key Information

Eligibility

To apply for the scheme, a person should meet the conditions given below. The rules for the 2026-27 cycle have been updated, so it is important to check them before applying.

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Odisha and aged between 60 and 75 years at the time of applying.
• The applicant must belong to the poor and deprived sections of society. Anyone who pays income tax, or who is a retired employee or officer of the government, semi-government or a public sector undertaking, cannot apply.
• The applicant should be physically and mentally fit to travel by train, and must produce a verified certificate of good health.

An applicant aged 70 to 75 years can take one companion or escort, who must be 21 years or older, to help during the tour. The escort has to pay 50% of the travel cost. A married couple can also apply jointly for the pilgrimage trip.

Benefits

Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana offers a fully free pilgrimage for the selected senior citizens. The state government arranges and covers the following services for the trip.

• Free rail travel in customized second class sleeper trains managed with IRCTC, along with safe hotel stay at each religious destination.
• Healthy vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner during the journey and at intermediate stays, with tea and snacks as per the schedule.
• Local road transport through dedicated buses for pick-up and drop between railway stations, hotels and temple sites.
• Medical support from a team of medical officers and emergency nurses traveling on the train, along with first-aid boxes.
• Security personnel and travel guides at every checkpoint to help the pilgrims during the tour.

The district administration also helps arrange transport to the district headquarters and the starting railway station, and provides food and accommodation for the night before departure. Each pilgrim receives a travel kit with toiletries, a bedsheet and a branded bag from Odisha Tourism.

Application Process

Applications for the 2026-27 cycle are open from 15 July 2026 to 14 August 2026. Eligible senior citizens can apply either online or offline. The steps for both methods are given below.

STEP 1 - Go to the official online portal at yatra.odisha.gov.in and choose the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana option, then click on proceed.

STEP 2 - Complete the registration using a mobile number and authenticate through the OTP sent to the phone.

STEP 3 - Fill in the required details such as name, age, address, Aadhaar number and contact information, and upload the scanned copies of the required documents including the signed medical fitness certificate.

STEP 4 - Verify all the details, submit the application and save the system-generated acknowledgment slip for future reference. If the number of applicants is more than the quota, the department selects the pilgrims through a clear lottery or random selection process.

For the offline method, a person can collect the application form from the nearest District Tourism Office, Block Development Office or Tourist Information Counter. The form should be filled, attached with self-attested copies of Aadhaar, age proof and residence proof, and submitted at the District Tourism Office or BDO counter before 14 August 2026.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready while applying for the scheme.

• Passport-size photographs and Aadhaar card for identity verification.
• Proof of age and residential address of the applicant.
• A signed medical fitness certificate from a registered government medical practitioner.
• Proof of economic status, such as an Antyodaya or Annapurna card, NFSA ration card, or a widow or old age pension document.

References

Official Website | Official Guidelines | English Application Form | Odia Application Form | Online Application Portal

FAQ's

What is Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana?

It is a pilgrimage scheme by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, run with IRCTC, that helps poor senior citizens of the state travel to holy places across India for free.

Who can apply?

The scheme is for permanent residents of Odisha aged 60 to 75 years who belong to the poor and deprived sections. People who pay income tax or are retired government or PSU employees cannot apply.

Can a family member accompany me?

An applicant aged 70 to 75 years can take one escort who is 21 years or older, and the escort pays 50% of the travel cost. A married couple can also apply jointly.

What is the last date to apply?

Applications for the 2026-27 cycle are open from 15 July 2026 to 14 August 2026. Forms must be submitted before the closing date.

Are the travel costs covered?

Yes, the scheme covers rail travel, food, accommodation, local transport and medical support for the selected pilgrims for the whole trip.