PrashantNews
The 186-year-old Rashtrapati Ashiyan, the official retreat of the President of India, is all set to become a tourist attraction in Dehradun thanks to President Droupadi Murmu’s decision to throw open its gates for public from April next year.
This initiative 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 located in the idyllic setting of Rajpur Road in Dehradun 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, finalized plans for allowing visitors inside the premises, an official statement said.
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.
In addition to these unique attractions, 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, offering a rare insight into the regiment’s operational and ceremonial functions.
Col 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. Late President Pranab Mukherjee had carried out renovation works inside the retreat some years ago.