Watch: India’s Longest Funicular Railway Opens At Shri Malanggad, Two-Hour Climb Now Just 10 Minutes
Watch: India’s Longest Funicular Railway Opens At Shri Malanggad, Two-Hour Climb Now Just 10 Minutes
New rail service near Kalyan makes the historic shrine easier to reach, especially for elderly devotees and families.
Pilgrims visiting Shri Malanggad (Haji Malang Gad) near Kalyan in Maharashtra can now reach the hilltop shrine in minutes, with the opening of India’s longest funicular railway.
For decades, devotees had to complete a tough uphill trek of nearly two hours, climbing around 2,500–2,600 steep rock-cut steps. The journey was particularly challenging for senior citizens, children and those with health issues.
That climb has now been replaced by a smooth rail ride lasting only 7 to 10 minutes.
Shri Malanggad, located in Thane district on the outskirts of Mumbai, is a centuries-old pilgrimage site dedicated to the Sufi saint Haji Malang, believed to date back to the 7th century. The fort is divided into three levels — Pir Machi, Sone Machi and the summit shrine — attracting large crowds throughout the year.
The newly launched funicular system is expected to significantly improve accessibility and reduce crowd pressure during festivals and weekends.
Key highlights of the Malanggad funicular railway
The project has been described as a major boost for pilgrimage tourism in Maharashtra.
The railway stretches across 1.2 kilometres, making it the longest funicular route in India. Each trip can carry up to 120 passengers, with an overall capacity of around 1,200 passengers per hour.
The service operates on a cable-driven counterbalance system. Two carriages are linked together — when one goes up, the other comes down — allowing safe movement on steep slopes while saving energy.
Authorities have said the system includes five layers of safety fail-safes, including automatic braking systems that activate even if manual controls fail.
A long-delayed project finally opens
The Malanggad funicular railway was first proposed in 2004, but construction began only in 2012 due to funding and administrative delays. The steep terrain posed major engineering challenges.
Although construction was completed last year, the inauguration was delayed further until final safety approvals were granted. The railway is now maintained by a team of 70 trained personnel.
Timings, tickets and visitor details
The service runs daily from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Ticket prices are fixed for return journeys:
Adults: Rs 150
Children: Rs 75
Parking charges at the base station:
Two-wheelers: Rs 20 (up to two hours)
Cars: Rs 50 (up to two hours)
Tickets are currently available only at the lower station through offline purchase. There is no online booking facility yet.
With this new funicular railway, Shri Malanggad is expected to see a stronger tourist flow, improved safety for pilgrims, and increased livelihood opportunities for locals in the Kalyan-Thane region.
