Offices in Jammu to close on April 30 and May 2; reopening in Srinagar scheduled for May 4
Transport, security, medical arrangements finalised
Srinagar/Jammu, Apr 15: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday issued orders for the annual Darbar Move of its offices from Jammu to Srinagar for the Summer Season 2026, laying out a comprehensive schedule and arrangements for the biannual administrative transition.
According to Government Order No. 786-JK(GAD) dated April 15, offices observing a five-day work week will close in Jammu on April 30 after office hours, while those following a six-day schedule will close on May 2. All offices are scheduled to reopen in Srinagar on May 4.
To ensure continuity of essential services during the transition, the order states that departments moving “in camp” will function with 33 per cent of staff strength or a minimum of 10 officials.
Transport arrangements for employees undertaking the move will be managed by the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation. Buses have been scheduled to operate on May 1 and May 3, and advance ticket booking will commence from April 20 at designated counters.
The administration has put in place detailed security measures for the movement of employees and official records. Convoys will be escorted by police and provided priority passage along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, including through key points such as the Jawahar Tunnel and the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel.
Medical aid facilities will be established at multiple locations along the route, including Udhampur, Ramban and Banihal, to assist employees during transit. Additional support, including backup vehicles and mobile workshops, will also be deployed to handle emergencies.
In terms of employee benefits, the government has sanctioned a Special Move Travel Allowance of ₹25,000 for each employee undertaking the relocation. Salaries for the month of April will be disbursed in advance on April 29 to facilitate the move.
The order also imposes restrictions on leave during the transition period, stating that leave will not ordinarily be granted except in exceptional circumstances. However, limited special casual leave provisions have been allowed under specific conditions.
Departments have been directed to detach staff from subordinate offices by April 27 to ensure a smooth relocation process. The Estates Department will arrange accommodation for employees in Srinagar, while the Food and Civil Supplies Department has been tasked with ensuring availability of ration supplies in designated residential areas.
The Darbar Move is a longstanding biannual administrative practice in Jammu and Kashmir, under which government offices shift between Jammu, the winter capital, and Srinagar, the summer capital, in line with seasonal requirements and administrative convenience
