President Droupadi Murmu has commenced a six-day visit to Himachal Pradesh, starting with a warm welcome from Governor Kavinder Gupta, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu, and other officials upon her arrival in Shimla. During her stay until May 2, President Murmu’s itinerary includes visits to Palampur Agriculture University, the Atal Tunnel in Kullu district, and a banquet hosted by the Governor in Shimla.
On April 29, the President is set to explore the Atal Tunnel, engaging with Border Roads Organisation officials to learn about the tunnel’s significance. The 9.02-km long tunnel, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2020, connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley, functioning year-round and replacing seasonal disruptions due to heavy snowfall.
President Murmu’s schedule also features attending the convocation ceremony at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya in Palampur as the chief guest on April 30. Additionally, she will participate in a program at ARTRAC in Shimla on the same day. Elaborate security measures have been implemented across various locations in anticipation of the President’s visit, with over a thousand security personnel deployed in Shimla and special arrangements in Palampur, Manali, and the Atal Tunnel.
The Retreat, a 175-year-old heritage site serving as the President’s summer residence on the outskirts of Shimla, has been opened to the public officially by President Murmu during her visit in April 2023. Tourists can explore the main building, official dining halls, and artifacts, with facilities such as a cloakroom, wheelchair access, a cafe, guided tours, and more available at Rashtrapati Niwas for their convenience.
