Shimla, April 29
The scheduled visit of President Droupadi Murmu to the strategic Atal Tunnel in Kullu district was cancelled on Wednesday due to adverse weather conditions, officials confirmed. The President, currently on a five-day stay in Shimla, will remain at The Retreat instead of proceeding to Manali.
Authorities said persistent inclement weather, including rainfall and the likelihood of snowfall in higher reaches, made the proposed visit to Rohtang logistically unviable. A senior official associated with the visit indicated that there is little possibility of rescheduling the programme, citing the extensive protocol and advance security arrangements required for any Presidential movement.
The President attended a state banquet hosted at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday evening by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla where she was formally honoured. The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, and senior civil and military officials.
Prez of India to arrive Shimla on five days visit,
The high-profile visit significantly impacted traffic movement across the hill town. Key arterial routes connecting Sanjauli, Dhalli, Kufri, Mashobra and Bhatakuffar experienced congestion and temporary diversions during the President’s convoy movement. Commuters reported delays and restricted access, particularly during the evening hours when security protocols were in force.
The Himachal Pradesh Police had issued a detailed advisory ahead of the visit, urging residents to avoid the Raj Bhavan–Retreat corridor and use alternate routes such as the Chalonthi and Khalini bypasses. Traffic around Sanjauli Chowk was regulated to ensure smooth passage of the Presidential cavalcade.
Despite such disruptions, officials maintained that the arrangements were necessary to ensure the highest level of security for the visiting Head of State.
The President’s ongoing visit also revives the historic tradition of Shimla serving as a summer seat of governance, a legacy dating back to the colonial era when it functioned as the summer capital of British India.
About the Author
