Faith on wheels: Punjab minister flags off free pilgrimage bus from Ludhiana.

Ludhiana: Punjab revenue minister, Hardeep Singh Mundian, officially flagged off a bus of devotees from Kasabad village on Wednesday, marking the latest departure under the state's Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme.The initiative, designed to facilitate free access to the country's most sacred sites, aims to bridge the gap for citizens who were unable previously to undertake spiritual journeys due to financial or logistical barriers. Addressing the pilgrims before their departure, minister Mundian emphasised that the yatra is designed to be completely cost-free for the participants. The Punjab govt has committed to covering all overheads to ensure a dignified and comfortable experience.
The trip has full subsidy. The state bears 100% of the costs for air-conditioned transport, hotel accommodations, and all meals. Every bus is staffed with a dedicated attendant to assist elderly passengers and a medical team equipped to handle health emergencies during the transit. The current group is slated to visit a comprehensive itinerary of religious and historical landmarks, including the Golden Temple, Durgiana Temple, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal, Jallianwala Bagh, and the Partition Museum in Amritsar."Many of our elders have spent their lives fulfilling responsibilities and could never find the resources to visit these sacred sites," minister Mundian told the gathering. "This scheme is our way of ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to seek blessings and connect with our rich heritage."Expanding the HorizonWhile this particular bus is bound for Amritsar, the scheme also covers other significant spiritual hubs, including Sri Anandpur Sahib and Mata Naina Devi in Himachal Pradesh. The state government has indicated ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Railways to expand the yatra to farther destinations such as Sri Hazoor Sahib and Varanasi via special trains. Universal Access and EligibilityThe minister underscored the inclusive nature of the scheme, noting it is open to all residents of Punjab regardless of caste, religion, or income group. Registration is open to devotees aged 50 years and above. A valid Voter ID card is mandatory for the registration process to ensure the benefits reach bona fide state residents. To maintain transparency, pilgrims are typically selected through a localised draw system at the booth level.