President Murmu To Visit Naina Devi Temple, Atal Tunnel During Himachal Tour

President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit Himachal Pradesh from October 6 to 8, with the itinerary including prayers at the Naina Devi temple, the first convocation of AIIMS Bilaspur and a visit to the strategic Atal Tunnel at Rohtang. The President will attend the AIIMS Bilaspur convocation as the chief guest before travelling to Manali, where she is also expected to visit the Hidimba Devi Temple on October 7.

Ahead of the AIIMS event and her visit to the Atal Tunnel, Murmu will offer prayers at the hilltop Naina Devi temple. She is expected to travel by road from Anandpur Sahib in Punjab to the shrine and return to Anandpur Sahib before proceeding to Bilaspur. According to reports, the President is expected to spend around two to three hours at the AIIMS ceremony before leaving for Manali.

The President's visit has prompted special security arrangements across the venues and along her inter-state travel route. Devotees will not be allowed to enter the Naina Devi temple from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 6 due to security arrangements. The administration has asked devotees planning to visit the shrine that day to complete their prayers before 7 a.m. or after 1 p.m.

Also Read: Swiss President Guy Parmelin To Visit India From October 5-7, Hold Talks With PM Modi

Security arrangements at both the Naina Devi temple and the AIIMS Bilaspur campus have been divided into three sectors. Punjab and Himachal Pradesh Police will jointly oversee security during Murmu's movement between the two states. The temple and AIIMS campus will also be designated no-drone zones, while the President's route within the AIIMS campus has been planned to minimise disruption.

Murmu's visit to the Atal Tunnel is expected to be a significant part of her Himachal Pradesh tour. The tunnel, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2020, provides all-weather road connectivity between Manali and the Lahaul Valley and reduces the need to cross the high-altitude Rohtang Pass. Her earlier plan to visit the tunnel during her Himachal Pradesh tour in April was cancelled because of adverse weather conditions.

Officials have also made alternative arrangements to minimise the impact of the presidential visit on schools and traffic movement. The Atal Tunnel connects the Kullu Valley with the remote Lahaul-Spiti region and has become an important road link for the area. During her stay in Manali, Murmu is also scheduled to visit the historic Hidimba Devi Temple on October 7 before completing the remaining engagements of her state visit.

Also Read: India, Bangladesh Work Towards Ties Reset Ahead Of Tarique Rahman Visit