President Murmu's 6-Day Visit to Himachal Pradesh: To Visit Atal Tunnel And Attend Convocation
President Murmu begins six-day Himachal visit in Shimla, scheduled to tour Atal Tunnel and attend official events.
President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Shimla on Monday for a six-day official visit to Himachal Pradesh, during which she is scheduled to tour key infrastructure and educational institutions, including the strategically significant Atal Tunnel in the state’s high-altitude region. Her visit will continue until May 2 and includes engagements across Shimla, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
The President was received at the Kalyani helipad in Chharabra, around 14 km from Shimla, by Governor Kavinder Gupta, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and other senior officials. Following her arrival, she was taken to Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra, a historic presidential retreat located on the outskirts of the capital.
During her stay, President Murmu is scheduled to attend a series of official and ceremonial programmes. On Tuesday, she will participate in a banquet hosted by the Governor at Shimla’s Lok Bhavan. Later in the week, she is expected to travel to Kangra district to attend the convocation ceremony of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya as the chief guest.
Also Read: Iran Mocks Trump’s ‘Hellhole’ Remark, Suggests India Visit For ‘Cultural Detox’
A key highlight of the visit is her scheduled trip to the Atal Tunnel on April 29. The 9.02-kilometre tunnel, located in the Pir Panjal range at an altitude of around 3,000 metres, connects Manali with the Lahaul-Spiti valley throughout the year, significantly improving year-round accessibility in the region. Before the tunnel was built, the valley remained cut off for nearly six months annually due to heavy snowfall. During her visit, the President will interact with officials of the Border Roads Organisation and receive briefings on the tunnel’s construction and operational significance.
On April 30, President Murmu is also expected to attend a programme at the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) in Shimla, further highlighting the state’s strategic importance. Officials have confirmed that elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across all venues, with more than 1,000 security personnel deployed in Shimla alone, along with additional arrangements in Palampur, Manali, and surrounding areas.
The President’s visit also includes a stop at the historic Rashtrapati Niwas, formerly known as The Retreat, a 175-year-old heritage building that serves as the President’s summer residence. Opened to the public in 2023, the site now allows visitors to explore its restored architecture, exhibits, and presidential memorabilia. Officials said the visit reflects both administrative engagement and symbolic outreach, combining institutional events, regional development focus, and heritage significance across Himachal Pradesh.
Also Read: South Korean President Lee Concludes India Visit After Talks With PM Modi
