The 186-year-old Rashtrapati Ashiyana in Uttarakhand's Dehradun will open to the public starting April. Officials from the President's Secretariat visited Dehradun to instruct state authorities to make necessary arrangements acting on the directions of President Droupadi Murmu.
This is part of President Murmu's ongoing efforts to open Presidential Estates across the country to the public. Currently used by the Presidential Bodyguard (PBG) Regiment, the sprawling 21-acre estate is steeped in history and heritage.
A high-level meeting chaired by Principal Secretary Dr Rakesh Gupta from the President's Secretariat, along with senior officials from the Uttarakhand government, finalised plans to facilitate public entry. Visitors will gain access to the main building, historic exhibits highlighting the 251-year-old legacy of the PBG Regiment, and the regiment's 186-year-old equestrian facility.
President Ashiyana To Feature Landscape Gardens, Cafeteria
Located in the posh Rajpur Road area, the estate will feature landscaped gardens, a cafeteria and improved infrastructure such as parking and electricity to enhance the visitor experience. Unlike other Presidential properties such as Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad and Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra, Rashtrapati Ashiyana will be the first estate with an active PBG presence to be opened to the public.
Colonel Amit Berwal, Commanding Officer of the PBG, and Swati Shahi, Officer on Special Duty from the President’s Secretariat, held discussions with state officials, including Secretaries Shailesh Bagoli, Sachin Karve, Pankaj Kumar Pandey, and Dehradun District Magistrate Savin Bansal, to oversee preparations.
The Rashtrapati Ashiyana is expected to become a significant attraction, offering visitors an immersive experience in India's Presidential and military heritage.