Dehradun’s Rashtrapati Ashiyana to open its doors to public in April

Currently serving as a base for the Presidential Bodyguard Regiment, the estate was originally established in 1838 for the summering of horses and remounts of the Governor General’s Bodyguard.

Plans to facilitate public entry were finalised during a high-level meeting chaired by Rakesh Gupta, principal secretary in the President’s Secretariat, along with senior Uttarakhand government officials. Visitors will be able to explore the main building, exhibits showcasing the 251-year legacy of the PBG Regiment, and the regiment’s historic 186-year-old equestrian facility.

The estate will also offer gardens, a cafeteria, and upgraded amenities such as parking and improved power infrastructure 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 welcome the public. This offers a unique opportunity to witness the regiment’s operational and ceremonial traditions.

Key officials, including Colonel Amit Berwal, Commanding Officer of the PBG, and Swati Shahi, Officer on Special Duty from the President’s Secretariat, collaborated with state representatives such as Secretaries Shailesh Bagoli, Sachin Karve, Pankaj Kumar Pandey, and Dehradun District Magistrate Savin Bansal to oversee preparations.