JAMMU, Oct 31: Jammu is being spruced up to welcome the government for the winter session as preparations for the biannual Darbar Move have entered the final stage, with beautification, road repairs and security arrangements being intensified ahead of the reopening of offices on November 2.
Meanwhile, the Traffic Department has imposed a two-day restriction on the movement of goods carriers along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) on October 31 and November 1 to ensure smooth passage of government employees’ convoys shifting from Srinagar to Jammu.
Under the traffic advisory, no goods carriers will be allowed to move from Jakheni in Udhampur towards Srinagar on these two days. Similarly, goods carriers will not be permitted to proceed from Jakheni towards Ramban, Banihal and Srinagar, or from Qazigund towards Banihal, Ramban and Udhampur after 2 am on October 31 and November 1.
However, heavy motor vehicles travelling from Qazigund towards Jammu will be allowed in a regulated manner. Operators transporting fresh and perishable goods and livestock have been advised to plan their movement accordingly.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered the biannual Darbar Move for the winter season 2026-27, with the offices of the Chief Minister, ministers and other departments scheduled to resume functioning in Jammu on November 2 after six months in Srinagar.
Offices observing a five-day work week closed in Srinagar on October 30, while those following a six-day schedule will cease functioning after office hours on October 31.
Officials said an extensive facelift of Jammu was underway, with renovation and beautification works being carried out inside and outside the Civil Secretariat. Repairs and maintenance of government buildings, offices and residential quarters are also being undertaken to accommodate employees shifting from Srinagar.
Several roads and bridges damaged during the monsoon rains are being restored through macadamisation and repair works. Footpaths are being cleaned, debris removed and road dividers and roadside structures painted as part of the beautification drive.
Security arrangements have also been strengthened across Jammu, particularly around the Civil Secretariat, Raj Bhawan and residential areas earmarked for government employees. Police and paramilitary deployment has been enhanced, while security along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been stepped up.
Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Tejinder Singh, had chaired a high-level security review meeting on October 24 to finalise arrangements and coordination for the Darbar Move.
The traditional practice of shifting the capital between Jammu and Srinagar was introduced by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1872 to escape extreme weather conditions in the two regions. It continued after Independence, with the government functioning for six months in each capital.
The practice was discontinued in 2021 during the Lieutenant Governor’s administration following the transition to e-office, with the government citing annual savings of around Rs 200 crore. The decision had drawn criticism, particularly from sections of the Jammu business community.
The Omar Abdullah-led National Conference Government restored the Darbar Move in October 2025, fulfilling an election promise. (Agencies)