Darbar move to Srinagar from May 4, detailed schedule issued
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Authorities have ordered the annual Darbar Move of offices from Jammu to Srinagar for the Summer Season 2026, laying out a detailed schedule for closure, reopening, transport, and administrative arrangements.
According to Kashmir Media Service, as per government order, offices observing a five-day week will close in Jammu on April 30 after office hours, while those following a six-day week will close on May 2. All offices will reopen in Srinagar on May 4.
The order states that only 33 per cent of staff strength or a maximum of 10 officials, whichever is less, will move into the camp. Police will escort the convoys and ensure priority passage through key tunnels, including the Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel and Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel.
The tradition, suspended in 2021 by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration citing high costs of biannual shifting, was restored following a decision by the Omar Abdullah-led government, in line with its electoral promise and subsequent approval by the Lieutenant Governor.
The Darbar Move dates back to 1872, when Maharaja Ranbir Singh initiated the practice of shifting the royal court between Srinagar and Jammu to counter extreme weather conditions in both regions.
