Punjab Broadens Its Free Pilgrimage Programme, Adding Four New Travel Circuits

Chandigarh – In a move that surprised many devotees and tourism operators alike, the Punjab government said on Tuesday it will extend its free‑pilgrimage scheme to cover four fresh circuits. The announcement came from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during a press briefing at the state secretariat.

Since its launch last year, the programme – officially named the “Free Pilgrimage Initiative” – has allowed senior citizens, women, and physically‑challenged pilgrims to travel without charge to a network of historic gurdwaras, temples and mosques across the state. The scheme has been lauded for not only easing the financial burden on pilgrims but also for giving a modest boost to local economies that depend on religious tourism.

“We started with a handful of routes, and the response has been overwhelming,” Mann said, gesturing toward a colourful map that now displays the new additions. “Today we are pleased to unveil four more circuits – Patiala‑Baba Bishan Singh, Barnala‑Guru Nanak, Malerkotla‑Baba Buddha Sagar and Moga‑Gurudwara Nanak Da Bagh. This will bring more devotees into the fold and showcase the spiritual diversity of Punjab.”

The four new circuits link well‑known pilgrimage sites with nearby towns that have historically been left out of the state‑sponsored travel routes. For example, the Patiala‑Baba Bishan Singh circuit will connect the bustling Patiala‑City railway station with the tranquil shrine of Baba Bishan Singh, a revered saint of the region. Similarly, the Barnala‑Guru Nanak route will shuttle pilgrims from Barnala’s bus depot directly to the revered Nanak Mela grounds, where an annual fair draws crowds from across the country.

Under the scheme, travelers can book their free tickets through the government’s “Sadharan Yatra” portal or by visiting any of the 250+ authorized counters spread across the state. The transport is provided by Punjab Roadways and its private partners, with buses and mini‑vans equipped for the elderly and those with mobility challenges.

Officials estimate that the expansion will add roughly 1.5 million passenger‑kilometers to the network each year. “The additional circuits will not just be a boon for pilgrims, but also for local artisans, small eat‑shops and transport operators who stand to benefit from the increased footfall,” said Transport Minister Ravinder Kaur during the briefing.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about the fiscal sustainability of the programme. The state has earmarked ₹250 crore for the current fiscal year to fund the free‑travel tickets, a sum that comes from the larger tourism promotion budget. “We must keep an eye on the costs, but if the scheme continues to promote inclusive tourism, it’s a worthwhile investment,” noted economist Dr Sandeep Chowdhary of the University of Punjab.

The new routes are slated to become operational from 1 October, coinciding with the start of the major religious festivals of Diwali and Guru Nanak Jayanti. The government has promised to monitor feedback closely and adjust the service frequency based on demand.

For pilgrims eager to take advantage of the fresh offering, the first step is simple: log onto the Sadharan Yatra website, select the desired circuit, and book a seat. As the chief minister summed up, “Our faith journeys should be about devotion, not dollars. This expansion is a step toward that ideal.”