Srinagar Gets Facelift Ahead Of 'Darbar Move'

Srinagar , the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir , is witnessing a coordinated facelift ahead of the 'Darbar Move' , with civic authorities accelerating road repairs, beautification, and infrastructure readiness as the seasonal transfer of the administration approaches.

Extensive works are underway across the city, including pothole repairs, resurfacing of roads, restoration of damaged stretches, and repainting of road dividers and walkways leading to the Civil Secretariat. Cleaning drives and minor infrastructure upgrades are also being carried out to improve the overall appearance of key administrative zones.

The Civil Secretariat , the main seat of the Jammu and Kashmir government, is scheduled to reopen in Srinagar on May 4 after closing in Jammu on April 30, marking the formal beginning of the summer session of governance.

As per official arrangements, only 33 per cent of staff strength or a maximum of 10 officials per office are being shifted as part of the administrative move to ensure efficiency and continuity of work. Transport arrangements, including government buses and convoy logistics, have been finalised for the smooth relocation of employees and records.

Security has been significantly strengthened along the Jammu–Srinagar highway (NH-44) , with police and paramilitary forces deployed to secure convoys and ensure uninterrupted movement during the transition.

The 'Darbar Move' , a 150-year-old biannual tradition introduced in 1872 by Maharaja Gulab Singh, shifts the capital between Jammu in winter and Srinagar in summer. Suspended in 2021, it was restored in 2025 following a policy reversal by the current administration.

Officials said the combined civic and logistical preparations aim to ensure a smooth and disruption-free shift of governance back to Srinagar.