Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming visit of President Droupadi Murmu to Dehradun. The visit will include the inspection and possible inauguration of key development projects under the Presidential Estates initiative.
A high-level meeting to review the arrangements was held at Rashtrapati Niketan, chaired by Dr Rakesh Gupta, Additional Secretary to the President. Dr Gupta reviewed the ongoing works related to the Presidential properties and directed that all projects be completed on time.
Our correspondent reports that the review focused on the progress of the Rashtrapati Udyan, one of the key projects being developed in Dehradun. The project is being built under the vision of making Presidential properties more accessible to the public.
District Magistrate Dr S Bansal, Director General of Information Banshidhar Tiwari, Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh, and MNA Namami Bansal were among the officials present during the review meeting.
Our correspondent adds that the Rashtrapati Udyan, spread over 132 acres, is being designed as a model of accessibility, sustainability, and community participation. The garden will serve as a major cultural landmark and civic space in the city.
The upcoming garden will feature theme-based floral and botanical sections, a butterfly enclosure, a bird aviary, and a serene lake. One of its main attractions will be India’s second-highest national flag pole, which will stand as a symbol of national pride.
The Rashtrapati Udyan will also include walking and cycling tracks, an open-air amphitheatre with a seating capacity of over 800 people, a public library, and a food plaza. These facilities aim to promote public engagement, recreation, and cultural awareness.
Another unique attraction under development is the horse riding arena within the Rashtrapati Niketan complex. This area will allow visitors to observe the training and care of the President’s Bodyguard horses, which are known for their discipline and heritage.
Six horses from the President’s Bodyguard Regiment in New Delhi will be brought to Dehradun for display and ceremonial events. These horses have been part of the President’s ceremonial guard and represent honour and national tradition.
To ensure smooth pedestrian access to the Presidential premises, the Public Works Department has constructed a foot overbridge on Rajpur Road. The bridge reflects traditional hill architecture and features lifts on both sides for convenience.
The foot overbridge is 32 metres long and four metres wide. It was completed within six months, ensuring both efficiency and design quality. The structure will allow safe and easy movement for visitors arriving at Rashtrapati Niketan and Rashtrapati Tapovan.
Public Relations Officer Kumar Samresh from the President’s Secretariat informed that during the upcoming visit, President Murmu is likely to inaugurate both the horse riding arena and the new foot overbridge.
President Droupadi Murmu had earlier inaugurated Rashtrapati Niketan and Rashtrapati Tapovan on June 20. Both properties have since become major attractions for tourists and local residents in Dehradun.
Official figures indicate that over the past four months, 4,753 people have visited Rashtrapati Niketan, while 15,567 people have visited Rashtrapati Tapovan. The construction of the Rashtrapati Udyan is expected to be completed by next year.
Once completed, officials estimate that the Rashtrapati Udyan will attract nearly 20 lakh visitors annually, making it one of Dehradun’s most significant public spaces. The garden will stand as a national example of design integrating environment, culture, and community participation.
