President Murmu's Shimla visit: Governor Gupta hosts banquet at Lok Bhavan
Synopsis
President Droupadi Murmu's five-day Shimla sojourn includes a Governor-hosted banquet, a visit to the Atal Tunnel, an agricultural university convocation in Palampur, and an Army Training Command inspection — all anchored at the 174-year-old Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra, now open to the public via a free weekend bus service.
Key Takeaways
President Droupadi Murmu is on a five-day visit to Shimla from 27 April to 1 May 2025 .
HP Governor Kavinder Gupta is hosting a banquet at Lok Bhavan on 29 April as part of the official welcome.
The President will attend the convocation of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar HP Krishi Vishvavidyalaya in Palampur on 30 April .
She will visit the Atal Tunnel on 29 April and the Army Training Command on 1 May before returning to Delhi.
The 174-year-old Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra has been open to the public since April 2023 , with a free HRTC bus service running on weekends.
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, will attend a banquet hosted by Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta at the Lok Bhavan in Shimla, as part of the official welcome itinerary for her ongoing summer visit to the hill state, according to an official statement. The President arrived at the Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra, Shimla, on Monday.
Full Itinerary of the Five-Day Shimla Sojourn
President Murmu's visit spans April 27 to May 1, covering a range of official engagements across Himachal Pradesh. On April 29, she is scheduled to visit the iconic Atal Tunnel. On April 30, she will attend the convocation ceremony of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya in Palampur, followed by an 'At Home' Reception at the Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra. On May 1, the President will visit the Army Training Command in Shimla before departing for New Delhi.
About Rashtrapati Niwas, Mashobra
The Rashtrapati Niwas at Mashobra was opened to the public in April 2023, making it accessible to visitors and tourists for the first time. Constructed in 1850 by the King of Koti in European architectural style, the 174-year-old building — previously known as the Retreat Building — is one of only four official presidential residences in India. The other three are Rashtrapati Ashiana in Dehradun, Rashtrapati Nilayam in Telangana, and Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
Free Bus Service for Tourists
Authorities currently provide a complimentary bus service to tourists wishing to visit the President's summer retreat. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) service operates from the lift parking at Mall Road, Shimla, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Shimla-to-Mashobra service was launched on 25 July 2024 to mark President Murmu's two years in office.
What Visitors Can Explore
According to Ajay Bhardwaj, a guide at the Presidential residence, visitors can explore the historic building's nature trails, lawns, parks, and other sections of the sprawling estate. The initiative reflects a broader push to make heritage presidential properties more accessible to the general public, a trend that gained momentum after Murmu assumed office in July 2022.
With her Palampur convocation address and Army Training Command visit still ahead, President Murmu's Shimla sojourn is set to conclude on May 1 with her return to the capital.
Point of View
Launching a free weekend bus service, and timing it to her anniversary in office signals a deliberate image-building exercise distinct from her predecessors. The convocation address at an agricultural university in Palampur is also notable: it places the President in direct contact with the farming community at a time when rural distress remains politically sensitive in Himachal Pradesh. Whether these gestures translate into substantive policy engagement, or remain largely symbolic, is the question worth watching.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is President Droupadi Murmu's schedule during her Shimla visit in 2025?
President Murmu is visiting Shimla from 27 April to 1 May 2025. Her schedule includes a banquet at Lok Bhavan on 29 April hosted by Governor Kavinder Gupta, a visit to the Atal Tunnel, a convocation address at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar HP Krishi Vishvavidyalaya in Palampur on 30 April, and an inspection of the Army Training Command in Shimla on 1 May before returning to Delhi.
Where is President Murmu staying during her Shimla visit?
President Murmu is staying at the Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra, Shimla — a 174-year-old heritage building constructed in 1850 that serves as one of four official presidential residences in India.
Is Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra open to the public?
Yes, the Rashtrapati Niwas at Mashobra has been open to the public since April 2023. A free bus service operated by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) runs from Mall Road, Shimla, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to facilitate tourist visits.
What is the historical significance of Rashtrapati Niwas, Mashobra?
Built in 1850 by the King of Koti in European architectural style, the Rashtrapati Niwas — formerly known as the Retreat Building — is 174 years old and one of four official presidential residences in India. The others are Rashtrapati Ashiana in Dehradun, Rashtrapati Nilayam in Telangana, and Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
Why was the free bus service to Rashtrapati Niwas launched?
The complimentary Shimla-to-Mashobra bus service was launched on 25 July 2024 to mark President Droupadi Murmu's two years in office, as part of efforts to make the presidential summer retreat more accessible to the general public.
