President Droupadi Murmu’s Himachal visit dates finalised; to attend key events in Shimla, Mandi, Rohtang

Shimla: President Droupadi Murmu’s upcoming visit to Himachal Pradesh has been officially confirmed. She will arrive in Shimla on May 5 and return to New Delhi on May 9.
During her visit, she will attend several high-profile events and stay at the historic Rashtrapati Niwas in Chharabra near Shimla.

In preparation for the visit, Himachal Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena held a crucial meeting in Shimla on Saturday (April 26, 2025) at the Secretariat with heads of key departments.
Discussions focused on strengthening security arrangements, repairing local roads and ensuring adequate water and electricity supply during the President’s stay.

Senior officials from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Union Home Ministry and the state government were also in attendance.

SPG takes charge as security tightens across key locations

Following the official confirmation of the President’s itinerary, the Special Protection Group (SPG) has arrived in Shimla and taken over security management.

Enhanced security measures have been put in place at The Retreat — the President’s summer residence in Chharabra — as well as at IIT-Mandi and Atal Tunnel-Rohtang, both of which are included in her itinerary.
The Retreat, one of the two presidential residences outside Delhi (the other being in Hyderabad), is a historic site where the President traditionally spends part of summer break.

President to attend milestone celebrations at IIT-Mandi

On May 6, President Murmu will attend a programme at the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) in Shimla.
On May 7, she will visit the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Mandi as the chief guest of a grand celebration marking 15 years of the institute’s excellence in academics, research and innovation.

The event, themed “15 Years of Impact – CFA 2025”, will focus on emerging technological domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Semiconductors, Quantum Technology, Advanced Materials and Entrepreneurship.

Global thought leaders and researchers are expected to participate in the conference.
On May 8, she will travel to the iconic Atal Tunnel-Rohtang, before returning to Delhi the following day.
President Murmu will be accompanied by her family during this official-cum-personal visit, marking another chapter in the long-standing tradition of presidential retreat in the Himalayan hills.

Sunil Chadha