The Odisha Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY) is a special scheme launched by the Odisha government to help senior citizens visit holy places in India. This program, started on February 1, 2016, is a wonderful opportunity for elderly people aged 60 to 75 years to fulfill their dream of going on a pilgrimage. The government works with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to make these trips safe, comfortable, and affordable.
What is Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana?
The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana is a government program that helps senior citizens from Odisha visit sacred places like Rameswaram, Haridwar, Tirupati, Varanasi, Shirdi, and Kamakhya. Many elderly people dream of visiting these holy sites but cannot afford the travel costs. This scheme provides financial and travel support to make their dreams come true. It is open to people of all religions and regions in Odisha, ensuring everyone gets a chance to go on a pilgrimage.
The Odisha government covers the cost of travel, food, accommodation, and even provides a travel kit with essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, towel, and a bag with the Odisha Tourism logo. The trips are organized with care, and IRCTC ensures pilgrims have a guide, travel insurance, and medical help during the journey.
How to Apply Online for Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana
Applying for the scheme is easy, and you can do it online or offline. For the 2025–26 financial year, registration started on July 17, 2025, and will continue until August 15, 2025. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying online:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to yatra.odisha.gov.in.
- Register Yourself: If you’re a new user, create an account with your email ID and phone number.
- Log In: Use your credentials to log in to the website.
- Find the Application Form: Look for the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana application form.
- Fill in Details: Enter your name, age, address, contact details, and other required information.
- Choose a Destination: Select the pilgrimage place you want to visit from the list provided.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your documents, like a medical fitness certificate, proof of residence, and economic status documents.
- Submit the Form: Double-check all details and submit the application.
- Get Acknowledgment: You will receive a reference number or receipt after submission. Keep it safe for tracking.
If you can’t apply online, you can get the application form from District Collectorates, Block Offices, Tehsil Offices, or Gram Panchayat Offices and submit it to the District Collector.
Also Read – Odisha Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana 2025 – Check Eligibility, Benefits & Application Process Now.
Documents Needed for Application
To apply, you need to submit some important documents:
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, voter ID, or any government-issued ID.
- Address Proof: A document showing you live in Odisha, like a ration card.
- Age Proof: Birth certificate or any document showing your age.
- Medical Fitness Certificate: A certificate from a doctor saying you’re fit to travel.
- Economic Status Proof: Ration card, pension certificate, or job card.
- Photos: Two passport-sized photographs.
- Emergency Contact: Details of a person to contact in case of an emergency.
- Blood Group: Mention your blood group for medical purposes.
Why is This Scheme Important?
Pilgrimages are a big part of Indian culture. For many senior citizens, visiting holy places is a lifelong wish. However, traveling can be expensive and difficult, especially for those who are not financially strong. The BNTYY scheme helps these people by:
- Supporting Spiritual Dreams: It allows elderly people to visit sacred places and find peace.
- Helping the Poor: The scheme gives priority to senior citizens from low-income families.
- Safe and Comfortable Travel: The government and IRCTC arrange everything, from transport to food and stay.
- Promoting Unity: People from all faiths and regions can join, bringing everyone together.
Since its launch, over 37,555 senior citizens have gone on 40 pilgrimage trips, with 7,967 traveling in 2024–25 alone. This shows how popular and helpful the scheme is!
Who Can Apply for the Scheme?
To apply for the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana, you need to meet certain rules. Here’s who is eligible:
- Age: You must be between 60 and 75 years old. If a married couple applies together, one spouse can be younger than 60.
- Residence: You must be a resident of Odisha.
- Health: You should be fit to travel and free from any contagious diseases. A medical fitness certificate is needed.
- Economic Status: Priority is given to people from economically weaker sections. You need documents like a ration card, pension certificate, or job card to prove this.
- One-Time Benefit: You can only use this scheme once in your lifetime.
- Attendant: If you are over 70, you can bring an attendant (18 years or older) who pays 50% of the travel cost.
How Are Pilgrims Selected?
After you apply, the District Tourist Office checks all applications. If there are more applicants than available spots, a lottery system is used to select pilgrims fairly. District Collectors prepare the final list based on the applications received.
Benefits of the Scheme
The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana offers many benefits:
- Free Travel: The government pays for transport to and from railway stations and pilgrimage sites.
- Food and Stay: Vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner) and comfortable accommodation are provided.
- Travel Kit: You get essentials like toiletries, a bedsheet, blanket, and a branded bag.
- Safety: Travel insurance, tour guides, and medical help are available during the trip.
- Cultural Awareness: Visiting holy places helps seniors learn about India’s rich heritage.
Important Information About Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY) |
| Launched On | February 1, 2016 |
| Organized By | Odisha Tourism Department and IRCTC |
| Age Eligibility | 60–75 years (one spouse can be under 60 for joint applications) |
| Residence | Must be a resident of Odisha |
| Application Period (2025–26) | July 17, 2025, to August 15, 2025 |
| Application Modes | Online (yatra.odisha.gov.in) or offline at District Collectorates/Block Offices |
| Destinations | Rameswaram, Haridwar, Tirupati, Varanasi, Shirdi, Kamakhya, etc. |
| Benefits | Free travel, food, accommodation, travel kit, insurance, medical help |
| Helpline Number | 9692569555 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana?
It is a scheme by the Odisha government to help senior citizens aged 60–75 visit holy places in India with government support. - Who can apply for this scheme?
Senior citizens aged 60–75 who live in Odisha and are physically fit can apply. Priority is given to those from low-income families. - How can I apply online?
Visit yatra.odisha.gov.in, register, log in, fill out the form, upload documents, and submit. - Can someone over 70 bring an attendant?
Yes, if you’re over 70, you can bring an attendant aged 18 or older, but they must pay 50% of the travel cost. - What happens if too many people apply?
If there are more applicants than spots, a lottery system is used to select pilgrims fairly.
Conclusion
The Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana is a thoughtful initiative by the Odisha government to help senior citizens fulfill their spiritual dreams. By providing free travel, food, and accommodation, the scheme makes pilgrimages easy and safe for elderly people. If you or someone you know is eligible, don’t miss the chance to apply between July 17 and August 15, 2025. Visit yatra.odisha.gov.in or contact the helpline at 9692569555 for more details. This scheme is a beautiful way to honor Odisha’s senior citizens and help them experience the joy of visiting holy places.