Odisha Flags Off First Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Train for 2025–26

Bhubaneswar, Sep 10 — Odisha Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo on Tuesday flagged off the first senior citizen pilgrimage train of the 2025–26 financial year, carrying 775 pilgrims from six districts to Ayodhya and Varanasi under the State Pilgrimage Scheme.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Singh Deo conveyed his best wishes to the devotees and lauded the initiative for “connecting India’s diverse cultures through spiritual tourism.”

Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida also extended her greetings, noting that the government has set a target to facilitate the travel of nearly 8,000 senior citizens to prominent pilgrimage destinations across India in 10 phases during the year.

The maiden train departed from Bhubaneswar Railway Station, beginning its journey from Lord Lingaraj’s shrine. The pilgrims, accompanied by 25 escort officials, will visit the Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, witness the sacred Ganga Aarti, and explore several shrines along the river’s ghats.

The programme is being jointly conducted by the Tourism Department, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), and the Khordha district administration.