Berhampur, Nov 17: A special pilgrimage train carrying senior citizens departed for Madhya Pradesh’s Omkareshwar and Ujjain from Berhampur.

The train was flagged off by Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida at Brahmapur Railway Station, marking the beginning of this year’s senior citizens’ pilgrimage initiative.

A total of 775 passengers from five districts of southern Odisha — Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh, and Nayagarh — boarded the train. Among them, 438 pilgrims hailed from Ganjam, 72 from Gajapati, 91 from Kandhamal, 55 from Boudh, and 119 from Nayagarh. To ensure their safety and comfort, 25 escorts accompanied the group.

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The annual pilgrimage programme, designed for citizens aged between 60 and 75 years, has become a cherished tradition in the region.

This year’s journey was meticulously organized, with applications screened to identify eligible participants. The train departed from Brahmapur Railway Station and will travel towards Uttar Pradesh before reaching the sacred destinations in Madhya Pradesh.

On Sunday morning, pilgrims from different districts gathered at Platform No. 4 of Brahmapur station. The district administration arranged health check-ups for all participants, ensuring they were fit for travel. To keep spirits high, cultural programmes were organized, and meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner were provided.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida extended her best wishes to the pilgrims, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting senior citizens in fulfilling their spiritual aspirations.

The atmosphere at the station was filled with excitement and devotion, as many expressed joy at the opportunity to visit revered shrines outside Odisha.