J&K government announces annual shifting of capital from Srinagar to Jammu

The Jammu and Kashmir government announced on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the resumption of the annual shifting of its administrative capital from Srinagar to Jammu. This practice, known as the Darbar Move, involves relocating more than 9,000 government employees annually from around 51 government departments between the twin capitals. The move follows the resumption of the tradition by the Omar Abdullah-led government in 2025, after it had been halted by the Lieutenant Governor's administration in 2021 due to financial concerns. The government instructed the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) to arrange an adequate number of well-maintained buses to transport employees on October 31 and November 1. Tickets were to be issued in advance starting from October 27. Each bus convoy was required to be accompanied by a crane, two empty buses, and mobile workshops to handle any unforeseen issues during transit. The Jammu and Kashmir Police were tasked with providing security and ensuring priority passage through key tunnels such as the Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel and the Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel. According to the Darbar Move schedule, offices in the winter capital of Jammu were set to reopen on November 2. Meanwhile, offices in the summer capital of Srinagar would begin closing on October 30 and 31. Offices moving in "camp" mode would carry up to 33 percent of their staff strength or 10 officials, whichever was lower, unless otherwise specified. The practice dates back to 1872 when it was introduced by Dogra Maharaja Gulab Singh, allowing the shifting of offices between Jammu and Srinagar based on seasonal changes. The Darbar Move was abandoned in 2021 to save approximately Rs 200 crore in public expenditure. However, it was revived in 2025 with support from regional political parties, including the ruling National Conference (NC). The move serves as a cultural bridge between the diverse populations of Jammu and Kashmir. The government ordered that all moving employees surrender any government, evacuee, or municipal accommodations they occupied, except under proper allotment orders. They could retain Srinagar accommodations for family use upon approval from the Estates Department. Combined leave was restricted to exceptional cases requiring approval from the relevant administrative secretary. Employees seeking special casual leave for five days were permitted regardless of accommodation availability in Jammu. The Health and Medical Education Department was directed to provide medical assistance at several locations along the route from Srinagar to Jammu on the days of the move. Transportation arrangements included advance ticket bookings starting on October 27 at the Civil Secretariat and JKRTC booking centers. Destination-based bookings were to be facilitated wherever possible.