President Murmu visits Army Training Command in Shimla, ends 5-day Mashobra stay
Synopsis
President Droupadi Murmu wraps up a five-day Himachal Pradesh visit with a stop at the Army Training Command in Shimla — a tour that included a university convocation in Palampur, a gubernatorial banquet, and a Khumani sapling planted at the 174-year-old Rashtrapati Niwas, now open to the public via a free HRTC bus service.
Key Takeaways
President Droupadi Murmu is set to visit the Army Training Command in Shimla on Friday, 2 May 2025 before returning to New Delhi .
Her five-day Himachal Pradesh visit began on 27 April , with Rashtrapati Niwas, Mashobra as her base.
She addressed the convocation of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar HP Krishi Vishvavidyalaya in Palampur and attended a banquet hosted by Governor Kavinder Gupta .
Murmu planted a Khumani sapling at Rashtrapati Niwas and reviewed visitor amenities at the residence.
Rashtrapati Niwas , built in 1850 , has been open to the public since April 2023 , with a free HRTC bus service running from Mall Road, Shimla on weekends.
President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit the Army Training Command in Shimla on Friday, 2 May 2025, before departing for New Delhi, marking the conclusion of a five-day summer sojourn to her official residence in Mashobra. The visit caps a busy official itinerary across Himachal Pradesh that began on 27 April.
Key Engagements During the Himachal Pradesh Visit
During her stay, President Murmu made Rashtrapati Niwas at Mashobra her base, venturing out to multiple official events across the state. She attended a banquet hosted by Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta at Lok Bhavan in Shimla on Tuesday. She also addressed the convocation ceremony of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya in Palampur on Thursday, ahead of which a security ring was thrown around the city, with local authorities restricting aero sports including paragliding for five hours.
Activities at Rashtrapati Niwas, Mashobra
At the presidential retreat, Murmu took a round of various areas within Rashtrapati Niwas and reviewed amenities available to visitors. She also planted a Khumani sapling in the lawn of the official residence, according to an official statement. The residence, constructed in 1850 by the King of Koti in European architectural style, is one of four existing presidential residences in India — the others being Rashtrapati Ashiana in Dehradun, Rashtrapati Nilayam in Telangana, and Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
Rashtrapati Niwas Now Open to the Public
The 174-year-old Rashtrapati Niwas at Mashobra opened its doors to the public in April 2023. Visitors can explore nature trails, lawns, parks, and the historic building itself, according to a guide at the residence. A complimentary bus service operated by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) runs from the lift parking at Mall Road, Shimla on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The free service was launched on 25 July 2024 to mark two years of President Murmu's tenure in office.
What Comes Next
With the Army Training Command visit concluding her Himachal Pradesh schedule, President Murmu is expected to return to Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Her engagements in the hill state underscored the dual role of presidential retreats — as functional official residences and as heritage spaces increasingly accessible to the general public.
Point of View
Even if the specifics of such visits are rarely disclosed publicly.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is President Murmu visiting the Army Training Command in Shimla?
President Droupadi Murmu is visiting the Army Training Command in Shimla on Friday, 2 May 2025, as part of her five-day official visit to Himachal Pradesh. The visit marks the final engagement of her Himachal Pradesh itinerary before she returns to New Delhi.
What is Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra?
Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra, Shimla, is one of four official presidential residences in India. Built in 1850 by the King of Koti in European architectural style, it was previously known as the Retreat Building and has been open to the public since April 2023.
How can visitors access Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra?
A free bus service operated by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) runs from the lift parking at Mall Road in Shimla to Rashtrapati Niwas on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The service was launched on 25 July 2024 to mark two years of President Murmu's tenure.
What events did President Murmu attend during her Himachal Pradesh visit?
During her visit from 27 April, President Murmu addressed the convocation of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya in Palampur and attended a banquet hosted by Governor Kavinder Gupta at Lok Bhavan in Shimla. She also reviewed visitor amenities and planted a Khumani sapling at Rashtrapati Niwas.
What are the four presidential residences in India?
The four official presidential residences in India are Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra (Shimla), Rashtrapati Ashiana in Dehradun, and Rashtrapati Nilayam in Telangana.
