The Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann government’s Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme has facilitated pilgrimages for more than 5.10 lakh people to religious destinations within and outside the state, Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said.
According to the minister, 5,10,807 pilgrims have so far undertaken religious journeys under the scheme. The programme provides eligible residents with free travel and other essential facilities during the pilgrimage.
People Aged 50 and Above Eligible: Bhagwant Mann
Under the expanded scheme, people aged 50 years and above are eligible to undertake the pilgrimage. The Punjab government provides AC sleeper bus travel, accommodation and food free of cost to eligible pilgrims, according to Sond.
The scheme was launched on November 9, 2025. Its initial phase covered religious destinations including Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Mata Naina Devi, with around four lakh pilgrims travelling to these places, the minister said.
Religious Destinations Expanded
The scheme was expanded in August 2026 to include additional destinations such as Shri Khatu Shyam-Salasar Balaji Dham, Haridwar-Rishikesh and Mathura-Vrindavan.
Sond said 95 AC buses are currently operating under the programme and have completed 12,485 trips to various religious destinations.
Focus on Pilgrim Facilities
The government has also made arrangements for the safety and convenience of pilgrims during the journeys. According to Sond, general and medical attendants are deployed on buses, while dedicated teams are stationed at destinations to assist pilgrims.
