Bhubaneswar, Jan 18: CM Naveen Patanaik has flagged off pilgrimage train for senior citizens from Brahmapur to Prayagaraj on Wednesday virtually.
In a video message, the Chief Minister wished everyone a happy pilgrimage. He also said “ I believe you will return with good feelings”
A special train under, ‘Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana’ has started a journey from Brahmpur railways station to Prayagaraj.
As many as 970 senior citizens from Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudha, and Nayagarh districts of the State along with 30 escort officers have been icluded in the trip.
This is the sixth year of Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana from its inception in 2016-17. The scheme was launched by the State Government to enable the poor and deprived senior citizens of the state to realise their lifelong dream of having tirtha yatra (pilgrimage) to fulfillment of their spiritual aspirations with the support of the State government.
So far, 25 such trips have been organized in collaboration with IRCTC under this yojana benefiting more than 24 thousand senior citizens belonging to age group of 60 to 75 years in the state. In the current financial year, 10 such trips are scheduled.
Travel fare, accommodation, food, healthcare and other miscellaneous facilities will be borne by the State Government under this program.
On this occasion, State Planning Board member Ramesh Chandra Chyaupatnaik, Brahmapur Mayor Sangamitra Dallei, Zilla Parishad chairman Anjali Swain, Odisha Cashewnut Development Corporation chairman Subash Moharana, and Ganjam district collector Dibyajyoti Parida were present.
