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India’s Longest Funicular Railway Now Open In Maharashtra; Shri Malanggad Trip Cut To 10 Mins

Kalyan longest funicular railway

We have good news for devotees planning a visit to Shri Malanggad in Maharashtra! The long-awaited funicular railway to the Kalyan shrine, now the longest in India, was finally inaugurated on Sunday. The new service is expected to make the pilgrimage safer, faster, and far more convenient for devotees. Here’s everything you need to know.

Kalyan Gets India’s Longest Funicular Railway Service

Image Courtesy: X/@AmeyKulkarni_21 & Instagram/mla_kisankathore

According to The Times of India, the funicular railway project to the Malanggad shrine was first proposed in 2004 by MLA Kisan Kathore. He inaugurated the service in Kalyan on Sunday, marking the launch of India’s longest funicular railway. Construction began in 2012 and was completed last year, but the inauguration was delayed by nearly a year due to pending safety clearances and technical approvals.

The project was slated to be completed in 2015, with a budget of ₹93 crore. However, due to the steep and uneven terrain of the Malanggad hill in several stretches, the construction of India’s longest funicular railway in Kalyan posed many challenges and was thus delayed.

Also Read: Book Online Tickets To ASI Monuments Like Taj Mahal & Qutub Minar; Step-By-Step Guide Inside

Major Relief For Devotees

Also known as the Haji Malang Dargah, Shri Malanggad is popular not just among devotees but also among nature lovers from Thane, Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai. Earlier, pilgrims had to climb nearly 2,600 steps to reach the shrine, a strenuous journey that took almost two hours.

Now, the newly launched funicular railway, operated by a team of 70 personnel, can carry up to 120 passengers to the shrine in just 10 minutes. In addition to making access easier, the service significantly improves safety and convenience. Authorities also believe it will boost tourism in the region and help hundreds of hill-dwelling families earn a better livelihood.

Also Read: Mumbai: ₹1324-Cr Badlapur-Karjat Railway Lines Approved; Ghatkopar Station To Be Revamped

We can’t wait to check out this new funicular railway service in Kalyan soon!

Cover Image Courtesy: X/@haldilal

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Tashika Tyagi: Good coffee, charming cafes, indulgent desserts, and Indian street food - these are just a few things Tashika can never say 'no' to! When she’s not scouting out new spots to explore or eat at, you'll likely find her experimenting with Instagram recipes in the kitchen or binge-watching a K-drama.