Shimla, April 27: The summer capital of the British Raj is back in the spotlight as President Droupadi Murmu arrived in the hill city on Monday for a five-day stay at the Presidential Retreat in Mashobra.
Nestled amid thick cedar forests, the Rashtrapati Niwas at Mashobra has been spruced up, with its natural surroundings adding to the quiet charm of the President’s annual summer sojourn.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu personally received the President on her arrival, accompanied by a host of dignitaries, including Shimla Mayor Surinder Chauhan and senior officials. In a warm Himachali welcome, the President was presented with traditional shawls, a cap, and local mementos.
Murmu, who is accompanied by her family members, will stay at the Presidential Retreat during her visit. While her engagements in the city are expected over the next few days, the official itinerary has not been made public yet.
Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh Police has rolled out an elaborate security and traffic management plan across Shimla. Movement restrictions will be enforced during the President’s convoy passages, leading to intermittent halts on key routes.
The timing couldn’t be trickier. Shimla is already witnessing a surge in tourist inflow, with visitors pouring in from the plains to escape the rising heat. With the President’s movements expected across the town, both residents and tourists may face traffic snarl-ups and delays at multiple points.
Officials say the curbs are essential for security, but on the ground, it’s likely to mean longer waits and disrupted travel plans in the coming days as the hill town balances protocol with peak tourist rush.
