Odisha Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

• The Odisha Government launched the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana on 1st February 2016.
• It is a pilgrimage scheme for senior citizens, launched with the objective to fulfill the spiritual aspirations of elderly people in Odisha.
• The scheme is implemented by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha in collaboration with IRCTC.
• Under the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana, the Odisha Government will provide free visits to famous pilgrimage places across India for the senior citizens of the state.
• All travel, accommodation, and food expenses will be fully borne by the Government.
• The senior citizen beneficiary will not have to pay anything during the entire journey.
• People aged between 60 years to 75 years are eligible to avail the benefits of this scheme.
• IRCTC will provide the tour package under the scheme, which includes Travel, Accommodation, Food, Tour Guides, Medical Services and essential items Travel Kit.
• If the applicant is above 70 years of age, they can take an attendant along with them.
• However, 50% of the travel cost for the attendant will be borne by the applicant.
• Priority in selection will be given to poor and economically weaker sections of society.
• Applicants can submit their applications in both online and offline modes.
• The Online Application Form is available on the Odisha Tourism Travel Scheme Management System Portal.
• The Offline Application Form can be collected from the District Collector's Office or the District Tourist Officer's Office.
• For any assistance regarding the scheme, contact: 6371298317 or 9668662978.
• Applications are currently open and the last date to apply online is 15th August 2025.

Religious Places List

Facilities Provided to Senior Citizens

• As part of the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana, the Government of Odisha ensures the following amenities for every selected senior citizen during the pilgrimage :-

  Food (Pure Vegetarian Only) Breakfast (8 AM – 9 AM): Upma, Dalma or Puri, Mixed Vegetable Curry or Idli with Sambhar, Tea, and Drinking Water Lunch (12 PM – 2 PM): Rice, Roti, Dal, One Curry, Fried Brinjal, Khata, and Water Evening Snacks (4 PM – 5 PM): Tea with Biscuits Dinner (7 PM – 9 PM): Rice, Roti, Dal, Mixed Veg Curry, and Water Travel Kit (Provided by IRCTC) Toothbrush Toothpaste Blanket Cap Shampoo Bath Soap Hand Napkin Comb Laundry Soap Bed Sheet Towel Mirror Identity Card Coconut Oil Travel Bag Accommodation Shared stay arrangements at designated locations Travelling Travel via Air-Conditioned Bus or Chartered Train Other Services Designated Tour Guides for assistance Non-AC Buses for local sightseeing Tour Managers and Escorts for organized management Public Address Systems for announcements and coordination Travel Insurance for all registered participants On-call Medical Support with experienced Physicians

Scheme Benefits

• Under the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana, the Government of Odisha extends the following benefits to all eligible senior citizens of the state:
  • Complimentary travel arrangements to prominent pilgrimage destinations across India.
  • Complete coverage of travel expenses, including AC 2-tier train or AC bus transportation, lodging, and meals during the journey.
  • Each selected pilgrim will receive a travel essentials kit provided by IRCTC.
  • Senior citizens who require assistance can take along an attendant by bearing 50% of the attendant's travel expenses.

Eligibility Requirement

• The free pilgrimage benefit under the Odisha Government's Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana is available only to those applicants who meet the following eligibility conditions:
  • The applicant must be a permanent resident of Odisha.
  • Only senior citizens between the ages of 60 and 75 years are eligible.
  • The individual must be in good physical and mental health.
  • Applicants should not be suffering from any contagious or communicable diseases.
  • The applicant must fall under any one of the following beneficiary categories:
    • Holders of Annapurna or Antyodaya Ration Cards.
    • Families possessing a valid NFSA Ration Card.
    • Beneficiaries of the Old Age or Widow Pension Scheme.
    • Holders of an active MGNREGA Job Card.
    • Families listed under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
  • If the applicant is above 70 years of age, they are allowed to take an attendant along.
  • The attendant must be at least 18 years old.
  • This free pilgrimage facility can only be availed once in a lifetime by any eligible applicant.

Required Documents

• Senior citizens applying for a free pilgrimage under the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana by the Government of Odisha need to submit the following documents:
  • Recent photograph of the applicant.
  • Spouse's photograph, if both are traveling together.
  • Photograph of the attendant, if one is accompanying.
  • Active mobile number and email address for communication.
  • Aadhaar Card of the applicant.
  • Aadhaar Card of the spouse, if applicable.
  • Aadhaar Card of the attendant, if applicable.
  • Two recent passport-sized color photos.
  • Proof of age (such as birth certificate, Aadhaar, or any government-issued ID).
  • Medical fitness certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner.

Steps to Apply

• Senior citizens residing in Odisha can take part in the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana for free pilgrimage visits.
• The application for this scheme can be submitted through the following methods:
  • Online Mode: Apply through the official Odisha Tourism Travel Scheme Management System Portal.
  • Offline Mode: Submit a physical application form available at designated government offices.

Online Through Official Portal

• Eligible senior citizens can apply online for the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana through the Tourism Travel Scheme Management System Portal of the Odisha Government.
• To begin the process, visit the portal and click on the "Proceed" button.
• Select the option for online application under the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana.
• Click on the "Sign Up" link to begin a new registration.
• The registration form will ask for basic details like the applicant's name and mobile number.
• The portal will send an OTP to the given mobile number for verification.
• Once verified, use the registered mobile number to log in to the portal.
• After logging in, applicants need to fill in the pilgrimage journey information and complete the application in the following sections:
  • Personal Information
  • Residential Address
  • Identity Proof
  • Contact Details
  • Applicant and Spouse Information
  • Attendant Information (if applicable)
• Carefully check all the entered information and submit the form.
• Once submitted, the system will generate a unique registration number for the applicant.
• The District Tourism Officer will then review the form and attached documents for verification.
• A lottery system will be used to select the final list of applicants.
• The list of selected beneficiaries will be available at the District Tourist Office.
• For assistance with online application, you may contact 7064410242 between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
• The online application window will open on 17-07-2025.
• The last date to submit applications for the scheme is 15-08-2025.

Offline Through Application Form

• The Odisha Government's Tourism Department will announce the invitation for offline applications under the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana.
• Senior citizens can obtain the printed application forms in both English and Odia languages from the following offices:
  • District Collectorate
  • District Tourism Office
  • Gram Panchayat Office
  • Block Development Office
  • Tehsil Office
• Interested applicants must collect the form, fill it carefully, and attach all documents.
• The completed form can be submitted in person at the same office or sent via Speed Post.
• All received applications will be forwarded to the respective District Tourist Officer (DTO).
• The DTO will assign a district-wise registration code and number to each form and forward them to the District Level Committee.
• The District Level Committee, led by the District Collector, will select eligible applicants using a transparent lottery process.
• The final list of selected applicants will be displayed at the following locations :-
  • District Headquarters
  • District Tourism Office
  • Block Development Office
• Applicants who are selected will be notified about the travel schedule and must report at the designated starting point as instructed.

Application Forms

• Odisha Baristha Tirth Yatra Yojana English Application Form.
• Odisha Baristha Tirtha Yatra Yojana Odia Application Form.

Relevant Links

• Travel Scheme Management System Portal Odisha.
• Odisha Baristha Tirtha Yatra Yojana Guideines.
• Odisha Department of Tourism Website.

Contact Information

• Online Application Support for Odisha Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana :-
  • Helpline Number: 7064410242
  • Available Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)
• Scheme Helpline Numbers :-
  • 6371298317
  • 9668662978
• Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha :-
  • 0674-2432177
  • 0674-2431896
  • info@odishatourism.gov.in