President Murmu's 4-year mark: e-bus, audio guide, auction at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Synopsis
Four years into office, President Droupadi Murmu used her anniversary not for ceremony but for delivery — launching a women-driven fare-free e-bus, a multilingual audio guide in 16 languages with sign support, a children's facility, and a Net Zero energy push, all from Rashtrapati Bhavan. The occasion reframes the Presidency as an active instrument of inclusion rather than a constitutional formality.
Key Takeaways
President Droupadi Murmu completed four years in office on 28 July 2026 , marking the milestone with multiple launches at Rashtrapati Bhavan .
An e-Audio Guide in 16 languages — including a sign language module — was launched to improve visitor accessibility.
RAAHI , a fare-free electric bus service operated by women, was inaugurated to serve women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
The third edition of e-Upahaar will auction 300 presidential gifts publicly from 5 August to 5 September 2026 .
Bachpan 'Bal Parisar' , a children's facility with a play zone and Anganwadi centre, was inaugurated within the President's Estate.
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan released a set of publications chronicling her four-year tenure.
President Droupadi Murmu on 28 July 2026 completed four years in office, marking the milestone with a slate of public-facing initiatives at Rashtrapati Bhavan and the President's Estate in New Delhi. The occasion underscored her stated priorities of inclusivity, sustainability, and cultural pride.
Key Initiatives Launched
Among the headline launches was an e-Audio Guide for visitors to Rashtrapati Bhavan, available in Hindi, English, and 14 other Indian languages, with a dedicated sign language module to improve accessibility for persons with hearing impairments. The President also unveiled the third edition of e-Upahaar, which will place 300 curated presidential gifts on public auction from 5 August to 5 September 2026.
A children's facility named Bachpan 'Bal Parisar' was inaugurated within the President's Estate, comprising a play zone called Kilkari and an Anganwadi-cum-Palna centre named Samarth, designed to provide a nurturing environment for young residents of the estate.
RAAHI: Women-Led Green Mobility
A notable addition was the launch of RAAHI, a fare-free electric bus service operated entirely by women drivers and conductors. The service is designed to provide safe, accessible transport for women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, while advancing the estate's green mobility goals.
President Murmu also laid the foundation stone for a new service block under the Net Zero Energy Strategy and inaugurated accommodation facilities at Rashtrapati Niketan in Dehradun and Rashtrapati Nilayam in Secunderabad. Redevelopment of staff quarters within the President's Estate was also announced.
What the President Said
Speaking at the event, President Murmu said that Rashtrapati Bhavan 'must remain a vibrant symbol of India's traditions, democratic values, and national ideals.' She reflected on her four-year journey since assuming office in July 2022, describing it as 'a responsibility more than an honour.' She reiterated her consistent message urging youth to uphold ethical values, women to become self-reliant, and tribal communities to preserve their heritage while embracing development.
She also recalled initiatives from the past year, including the unveiling of the bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the inauguration of Param Vir Dirgha and Granth Kutir, and the Indianisation of State Rooms to reflect the country's civilisational ethos.
Vice President's Tribute and Publications
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan released a set of commemorative publications chronicling her four years in office. Titles include Rashtrapati Bhavan: Rashtra Ka Bhavan, Seva Aur Samvedana, Samaveshi Sahbhaghita, Bharatiyata Ka Utsav, and Ama Rashtrapati – Ama Gourav in Odia. Radhakrishnan praised her tenure as one marked by humility, wisdom, and inclusivity, describing her rise from a tribal village in Odisha to the highest constitutional office as a testament to the strength of Indian democracy.
What Comes Next
The e-Upahaar auction opens to the public on 5 August 2026, giving citizens a chance to bid for items from the presidential collection. The RAAHI bus service and the Bal Parisar facility are now operational within the estate. Infrastructure projects tied to the Net Zero Energy Strategy are expected to progress in the months ahead, as the Presidency continues its outreach to marginalised communities.
Point of View
Two areas where Murmu has spoken consistently but where ground-level outcomes remain uneven. The e-Upahaar auction, now in its third edition, also quietly builds a public connection to the Presidency that is worth more than any ribbon-cutting.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What initiatives did President Murmu launch on her 4-year anniversary?
President Droupadi Murmu launched several initiatives on 28 July 2026, including an e-Audio Guide in 16 languages with a sign language module, the RAAHI fare-free electric bus service run by women, the Bachpan 'Bal Parisar' children's facility, and the third edition of the e-Upahaar presidential gifts auction. She also laid the foundation stone for a Net Zero Energy service block and inaugurated accommodation at Rashtrapati Niketan and Rashtrapati Nilayam.
What is the RAAHI bus service launched at Rashtrapati Bhavan?
RAAHI is a fare-free electric bus service operated by women drivers and conductors, launched by President Murmu on 28 July 2026. It is designed to provide safe, green transport for women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities within and around the President's Estate.
What is the e-Upahaar auction and when does it open?
e-Upahaar is a public auction of curated presidential gifts, now in its third edition. The 2026 edition features 300 items and is open for public bidding from 5 August to 5 September 2026. It allows citizens to acquire gifts that have been presented to the President during her tenure.
How long has Droupadi Murmu served as President of India?
President Droupadi Murmu assumed office in July 2022 and completed four years on 28 July 2026. She is the first person from a tribal community to hold the office of President of India.
What publications were released to mark President Murmu's four years in office?
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan released a set of commemorative publications on 28 July 2026, including Rashtrapati Bhavan: Rashtra Ka Bhavan, Seva Aur Samvedana, Samaveshi Sahbhaghita, Bharatiyata Ka Utsav, and Ama Rashtrapati – Ama Gourav in Odia, all chronicling her four-year tenure.
