For most visitors, a trip to Shri Malanggad means getting ready for a long uphill climb along with the visit itself. The hill fort near Kalyan in Maharashtra’s Thane district is known for its height, steep
terrain and the long climb required to reach the shrine of Haji Malang. While the site continues to draw devotees and trekkers, the route to the top has never been easy.
That experience has now changed with the opening of a funicular railway at Shri Malanggad. The service started operations on January 18 and it has introduced a new way to reach the hilltop shrine. The railway is also the longest funicular train system in India.
Recently, a video surfaced online showing how the funicular train is operating in the area. The footage captures the train moving along the steep hillside. It helps viewers understand how the service runs on the steep terrain.
Where Is Shri Malanggad Located?
Shri Malanggad (also known as Haji Malang Gad) is located near Kalyan in the Thane district of Maharashtra, on the outskirts of Mumbai. The hill rises to an elevation ranging between approximately 2,590 and 3,200 feet above sea level.
The fort is divided into three levels: Pir Machi, Sone Machi and the summit. At the top, the centuries-old shrine of the Sufi saint Haji Malang is located which dates back to the 7th century.
How People Reached Shri Malanggad Earlier?
Before the funicular railway was introduced, reaching the shrine involved multiple stages. Visitors first had to travel around 20 kilometres from Kalyan railway station to the base of the hill. Bus number 45, auto-rickshaws and private vehicles were commonly used for this part of the journey.
From the foothills, the actual climb began. The route consisted of roughly 2,500 to 2,600 rock-cut steps carved into the hillside. Completing this climb often took close to two hours and was particularly challenging for elderly visitors, children and those with health-related issues.
How Does Funicular Train Benefit Devotees?
The Malanggad funicular railway now replaces this steep climb with a rail-based ascent. Depending on operational conditions, the ride takes between 7 and 10 minutes with some journeys completed in about four minutes. This means visitors can reach the upper section of the hill without climbing the long staircase.
A funicular railway works differently from standard trains. It uses a cable-driven system where two carriages are connected to opposite ends of a single cable. As one carriage moves uphill, the other moves downhill at the same time. The descending carriage acts as a counterbalance that helps pull the ascending carriage upward while reducing overall energy consumption.
What Are Operation Hours And Ticket Priced At?
Operating Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 8 PM
The ticket pricing is set for return journeys:
- Adults: Rs 150 for a two-way trip
- Children: Rs 75 for a two-way trip
Parking facilities are available at the base station for visitors arriving by private vehicles:
- Two-wheelers: Rs 20 for up to two hours
- Cars: Rs 50 for up to two hours
What Is The Length And Capacity Of The Train?
The Malanggad funicular railway spans a total length of 1.2 kilometres which makes it the longest funicular railway in India.
The system uses two funicular trains and each train consists of two coaches. Together, they can carry up to 120 passengers per trip. In terms of overall movement, the railway has the capacity to transport approximately 1,200 passengers per hour.
Are There Any Safety Measures Taken?
The funicular railway is equipped with five layers of safety fail safes. These include automatic braking mechanisms that activate if manual controls fail. The system is designed so that even in case of operational issues, the carriages can stop safely on steep gradients.
These safety layers work together to maintain control during ascent and descent.
How To Book Tickets?
Tickets for the Malanggad funicular train can only be purchased offline. A ticket counter is available at the lower station of the railway where visitors must buy tickets before boarding.
There is no online booking facility for this service. Visitors are required to purchase tickets directly at the base station on the day of their visit.
