Sambalpur, Oct 8: A special pilgrimage train carrying senior citizens was ceremoniously flagged off from Sambalpur railway station.

Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, and MLA Jayanarayan Mishra jointly inaugurated the journey by waving the green flag.

The train took 775 senior citizens from western Odisha districts — including Sambalpur, Sonepur, Deogarh, Bargarh, Angul, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, and Balangir — on a six-day spiritual tour to Ayodhya and Varanasi. The pilgrims will visit the iconic Ram Mandir and Hanuman Garhi Temple in Ayodhya, followed by Ganga Aarti and Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

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To ensure smooth travel and safety, 25 dedicated officers have been assigned to accompany the pilgrims. The arrangement also includes a medical team, security personnel, and railway guides. This initiative is part of the state’s commitment to honouring and supporting its elderly citizens by facilitating spiritual experiences and cultural enrichment.

The pilgrimage train not only reflects the government’s focus on senior welfare but also strengthens community bonds through shared cultural journeys. The participants expressed joy and gratitude for the opportunity, many of whom are embarking on such a journey for the first time.