The Rajasthan government has started accepting applications for the Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme 2026.
Under this scheme, eligible senior citizens can visit famous religious destinations across India free of cost.
This year, the government plans to send 56,000 pilgrims on spiritual journeys.
Out of these, 50,000 people will travel by AC train, while 6,000 pilgrims will get the opportunity to travel by air.
Those interested can apply until June 10, 2026.
Free Pilgrimage for Senior Citizens
Every year, the Rajasthan government organizes pilgrimages for senior citizens to major religious sites across the country.
As part of this initiative, special trains are operated to take pilgrims to popular destinations.
For example, a special train under the Somnath Swabhiman Parv Yatra will depart from Jaipur on June 5, offering pilgrims the opportunity to visit Dwarka, Nageshwar, and Somnath.
Apart from this, the scheme also covers several other important pilgrimage routes, including journeys from Rameshwaram to Pashupatinath.
Who Can Apply?
Only senior citizens who are 60 years of age or older as of April 1, 2026, can apply for the scheme.
The government has also made special provisions for couples.
Husband and wife can apply together using a single application form and travel together under the scheme.
Additionally, pilgrims aged 70 years or above are allowed to take an attendant with them.
The cost of the attendant’s travel will also be borne by the government.
How Are Pilgrims Selected?
Applying for the scheme does not guarantee a seat.
Interested applicants must first submit their application through the official government portal.
After the application process is completed, beneficiaries are selected through a lottery system.
Only those whose names are selected in the draw will be eligible to travel under the scheme.
Destinations Covered Under the Scheme
Pilgrims traveling by AC train can visit several religious and spiritual destinations, including:
Haridwar, Rishikesh, Ayodhya, Varanasi and Sarnath
Sammed Shikhar and Pawapuri
Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Agra and Ayodhya
Dwarka, Nageshwar and Somnath
Tirupati and Padmavati
Kamakhya and Guwahati
Gangasagar and Kolkata
Jagannath Puri and Konark
Rameshwaram and Madurai
Vaishno Devi, Amritsar and Wagah Border
Goa temples and famous churches
Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar and Ellora
Bihar Sharif, Patna Sahib and Patna
Shri Hazur Sahib, Nanded in Maharashtra
Special Air Travel Facility
Under the scheme, pilgrims selected for the air travel category will be taken to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal.
This is one of the most sought-after pilgrimage options offered under the program and is arranged entirely by air.
Why This Scheme Matters
The Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme gives elderly citizens an opportunity to visit important religious places without worrying about travel expenses.
With free transportation, organized arrangements, and a wide range of destinations, the scheme helps thousands of senior citizens fulfill their long-cherished spiritual aspirations every year.
