Chandigarh, September 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Punjab Government’s Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme has facilitated pilgrimages for 5,10,807 people to various religious destinations within and outside the state, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference, Sond said 95 AC buses are currently operating under the scheme and have completed 12,485 trips so far.
“The Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme has facilitated 5,10,807 pilgrims to undertake pilgrimages to various religious destinations in and outside Punjab. At present, 95 AC buses are being operated under the scheme and have so far completed 12,485 trips,” Sond said.
The scheme was launched on November 9, 2025. During its first phase, around four lakh pilgrims travelled to Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Mata Naina Devi, the minister said.
The government expanded the scheme on August 12, 2026, to include additional religious destinations such as Shri Khatu Shyam-Salasar Balaji Dham, Haridwar-Rishikesh and Mathura-Vrindavan.
Under the expanded scheme, people aged 50 years and above are eligible to undertake the pilgrimage. The government provides AC sleeper bus travel, accommodation and food free of cost to eligible pilgrims, according to Sond.
He said special arrangements had been made for the safety, security and convenience of pilgrims. Every bus has a team of general and medical attendants, while dedicated teams have been deployed at pilgrimage destinations to assist the travellers.
The arrangements also include air-conditioned accommodation with adequate washroom facilities, along with food and other essential amenities during the pilgrimage.
“The devotees are very happy and satisfied during the journey and often sing bhajans along the way. I pray that every journey is safe and auspicious and that the pilgrims return happily after paying obeisance at the religious places,” Sond said.
He added that pilgrims would receive prasad and a souvenir brass glass after completing their pilgrimage.
Sond said the scheme is open to eligible beneficiaries irrespective of their area, caste or religion, with the initiative aimed at helping elderly residents visit religious places and offer prayers.
The minister said Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had issued directions to ensure that pilgrims receive proper facilities and assistance throughout their journey. The concerned teams have been instructed to remain available to address the needs of pilgrims and ensure the smooth conduct of the programme.
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