Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : New Delhi, April 21: Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit Shimla in Himachal Pradesh from April 27 to May 2, according to official sources. During her stay in the picturesque hill capital, the President will reside at the official Presidential residence known as The Retreat.

The forthcoming visit has already set administrative machinery in motion, with local authorities initiating preparations to ensure smooth arrangements ahead of the President’s arrival. President Murmu is expected to reach Shimla on April 27 and remain there until May 2. While the detailed itinerary of her engagements in the state has not yet been made public, officials have confirmed that necessary logistical and security measures are being put in place.

The Shimla district administration has issued directives to the Public Works Department to undertake immediate repairs and maintenance of the road leading to The Retreat. The stretch, which connects the historic estate to the main thoroughfares of the city, is being carefully inspected to ensure it meets the required standards for the high-profile visit. Authorities are focusing on strengthening road surfaces, clearing debris, and ensuring smooth vehicular movement in and around the area.

In addition to infrastructure upgrades, civic authorities have also been mobilized to enhance cleanliness and sanitation around The Retreat and its surrounding localities. The Shimla Municipal Corporation has been instructed to carry out a comprehensive cleanliness drive in the vicinity of the Presidential residence. Special teams have been deployed to oversee waste removal, trimming of overgrown vegetation, and overall beautification of public spaces. The aim is to present the heritage property and its environment in pristine condition during the President’s stay.

Security arrangements are also expected to be heightened across the city as part of standard protocol for a Presidential visit. Coordination meetings between district officials, police authorities, and other concerned departments are reportedly underway to review contingency plans and ensure seamless management of traffic, public access, and safety measures.

The Retreat, nestled amid dense cedar forests on the outskirts of Shimla, holds historical and constitutional significance. Serving as the President’s official summer residence, the property is occasionally used for official engagements and ceremonial functions. Its serene surroundings and colonial-era architecture make it one of the most distinguished landmarks in the region.

Although the detailed programme of President Murmu’s engagements during her Shimla visit has not yet been disclosed, such visits typically include interactions with state officials, review meetings, and participation in select public or institutional events. It remains to be seen whether the President will attend any academic, cultural, or administrative functions during her stay.

Local officials have expressed confidence that all arrangements will be completed well in advance of April 27. The administration has assured that every department concerned is working in close coordination to uphold the dignity and decorum befitting a Presidential visit.

Shimla prepares to welcome the Head of State, the city once again finds itself at the centre of national attention, reflecting its enduring legacy as a seat of governance and its continued importance in India’s constitutional framework.