Shri Malanggad, also known as Haji Malang Dargah, attracts many visitors from all over the country and is popular among nature lovers from Thane. Traditionally, reaching the site meant climbing 2,600 steep steps, but a significant update is here to make the journey easier for devotees. How? With the launch of India’s longest funicular railway! This newly inaugurated service drastically reduces the challenging two-hour trek to just a quick 10-minute ride. Spanning approximately 1,200 metres, here’s what you must know about India’s Longest Funicular Railway.
The inauguration was led by Murbad MLA Kisan Kathore and Kalyan East MLA Sulabha Gaikwad. This development is expected to greatly benefit the area, making it easier for the thousands who visit Malanggad each year from Kalyan, Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai, especially during the annual Malanggad yatra.
Originally proposed in 2004, the project faced many delays, but construction resumed in 2012. It gained traction when former public works minister and BJP state president Ravindra Chavan helped secure funding, leading to its expected completion in 2026 – almost 21 years after it started.
Before the funicular railway, devotees had to climb around 2,600 steep steps, a tough climb for many, especially the elderly and those with health issues. Now, the new railway not only makes the trip quicker but also safer and more accessible. It can carry 120 passengers at a time, and for the first two days, the ride will be free for all devotees, ensuring a comfortable experience leading up to the Malanggad yatra. After two days, the ride will cost INR 150 per person for a round-trip. The funicular system, monitored by a dedicated staff of about 70 personnel, provides an efficient way to reach the shrine.
What Is A Funicular Railway
A funicular railway is a cable-operated transport system made for steep hills. It uses gravity and counterweight cars to carry passengers up and down the slope. Combining features of both a lift and a train, it is commonly found in hilly or mountainous areas worldwide.
