Shimla, October 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit the Naina Devi temple and attend the first convocation ceremony of AIIMS Bilaspur as chief guest on October 6, ahead of her planned visit to the strategic Atal Tunnel during her three-day Himachal Pradesh tour from October 6 to 8.
According to media reports, the President will travel by road from Anandpur Sahib in Punjab to the hilltop Naina Devi temple to offer prayers. She is expected to return to Anandpur Sahib before proceeding to AIIMS Bilaspur for the convocation ceremony, where she is likely to spend around two to three hours before leaving for Manali.
In view of the visit, devotees’ entry to the Naina Devi temple will remain suspended from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 6. The administration has advised devotees to complete their prayers before 7 a.m. or visit the shrine after 1 p.m.
Security arrangements at both the temple and the AIIMS campus have been divided into three sectors. Punjab and Himachal Pradesh Police will jointly oversee security during the President’s movement between the two states. Both locations will be declared no-drone zones, while the route within the AIIMS campus has been planned to minimise disruption.
Officials have also made alternative arrangements to limit the impact of the visit on schools and traffic movement.
The President’s itinerary includes a visit to the Atal Tunnel near Rohtang in Kullu district, which connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul-Spiti region. During her stay in Manali, she is also scheduled to visit the historic Hidimba Devi Temple on October 7.
The Atal Tunnel visit had been planned during Murmu’s previous Himachal Pradesh tour in April but was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2020, the Atal Tunnel provides all-weather road connectivity between Manali and the Lahaul Valley, reducing travel distance and eliminating the need to cross the high-altitude Rohtang Pass.
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