President Droupadi Murmu is set to visit the Army Training Command in Shimla on Friday, concluding her five-day summer stay at her official residence in Mashobra. While in Mashobra, she inspected various areas in Rashtrapati Niwas and assessed the facilities for visitors. Additionally, she planted a Khumani sapling in the official residence’s lawn as per an official statement.
During her visit to Himachal Pradesh, which commenced on April 27, President Murmu utilized Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra as her headquarters before attending various events over the course of several days. Earlier in the week, she participated in a banquet hosted by Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta at Lok Bhavan in Shimla. Notably, the Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra was opened to the public in April 2023.
Authorities currently offer a complimentary bus service for tourists to the President’s summer retreat, with the Shimla to Mashobra service inaugurated to mark President Murmu’s two-year tenure on July 25, 2024. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation operates this free bus service from the lift parking at Mall Road in Shimla on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Visitors can explore the 174-year-old Rashtrapati Niwas, nature trails, and other sections of the building, including its lawns and parks, guided by staff.
Constructed in 1850 in European architectural style by the King of Koti, the Rashtrapati Niwas, formerly known as the Retreat Building, is one of India’s four existing presidential residences. The other three are Rashtrapati Ashiana, a Presidential retreat in Dehradun; Rashtrapati Nilayam in Telangana; and Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President’s official residence in New Delhi.
