In a significant step towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of accessible air travel for all, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan flagged off a group of 32 senior citizens on a pilgrimage to Prayagraj from Bhopal. The special pilgrimage, organized under the ‘Mukhya Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana’ (Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme), aims to provide pilgrimage opportunities to individuals who may not have had access to air travel before. Chouhan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill the Prime Minister’s vision through this initiative.
The ‘Mukhyamantri Tirth-Darshan Yojana,’ initiated by the BJP government in June 2012, has been offering free pilgrimage journeys to senior citizens through special trains. However, for the first time, pilgrims are being sent on a flight, making it a historic moment. Over 7.82 lakh elderly individuals have already participated in train pilgrimages under this scheme. The introduction of air travel for pilgrimages will now be a regular feature.
Expanding Pilgrimage Opportunities: Beyond Prayagraj
The pilgrimage journeys by plane will not be limited to Prayagraj alone. Similar trips will be organized to other revered destinations such as Shirdi, Mathura-Vrindavan, and Gangasagar. The flagging-off ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished officials, including cultural minister Usha Thakur, public health and family welfare minister Dr. Prabhuram Chowdhary, medical education minister Vishwas Sarang, Ex-Protem Speaker and MLA Rameshwar Sharma, and Bhopal Mayor Malti Rai.
The senior citizens embarking on this pilgrimage are filled with joy and gratitude for the opportunity to travel by air. Siya Kumari Sharma, a 72-year-old resident of Bairagarh, expressed her elation, acknowledging that she never imagined flying to Prayagraj. She extended her heartfelt appreciation to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for playing the role of a caring son and making her dream come true. Another pilgrim, 72-year-old Umesh Singh Nagar from Harrakheda Berasia village, expressed his astonishment as a humble farmer who never thought he would experience air travel for a pilgrimage. He described it as a golden dream fulfilled by the Chief Minister.
Continuation of Air Travel Pilgrimages
Under the first phase of the air travel facility, senior citizens from Madhya Pradesh will embark on pilgrimage journeys in different batches until July. After the successful flight from Bhopal to Prayagraj, subsequent groups will set off for Shirdi, Mathura-Vrindavan, and Gangasagar. To ensure convenience for the passengers, a dedicated help center has been set up at the airport.
The ‘Mukhya Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana’ holds the objective of providing meaningful pilgrimage experiences to senior citizens, fostering inclusivity, and promoting accessibility to air travel in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
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