Funicular Railway Revolutionizes Access to Shri Malanggad Shrine
Travel to the popular Shri Malanggad shrine in Kalyan has transformed dramatically. A new funicular railway line now cuts the journey time from several hours to just four minutes. This development makes the religious and tourist site far more accessible to everyone.
From Grueling Climb to Smooth Ride
Previously, reaching the shrine required a tough climb. Visitors had to ascend over 2,500 rock-cut steps. This journey took between two and three hours. It posed significant challenges for elderly people, children, and individuals with health concerns.
The new funicular railway changes everything. It operates from the base of the hill. The system uses two carriages connected by cables on a pulley. They act as counterweights to each other. This design ensures a safe and efficient ride to the top.
Engineering Marvel with Impressive Stats
The railway line stretches 1.2 kilometers. It claims the title of India's largest funicular railway. The train climbs at a steep 33-degree incline. It covers a vertical height of 300 to 400 meters.
Each train consists of two bogeys. It can carry 90 passengers in a single trip. A round trip costs 150 rupees. The project represents a major investment. Initial estimates placed the cost at 45 crore rupees in 2007. The final expenditure reached approximately 150 crore rupees.
A Long Journey to Completion
The idea for the funicular originated in 2004. MLA Kishan Kathore proposed it after a visit to Switzerland. He saw a similar system there and recognized its potential for the shrine. Kathore, a frequent visitor, believed it offered a better solution than a ropeway.
Construction finally began in 2012. The Public Works Department executed the project on a build-operate-transfer basis. Engineers faced substantial challenges. They had to cut through solid rock. The track piers rise 24 meters high in a valley. This height is likely a national record for funicular railways. The alignment also includes a curve, adding to construction complexity.
Rigorous Safety Measures
Safety was a paramount concern. The railway incorporates five layers of fail-safe mechanisms. Automatic brakes engage if manual systems do not activate when needed. These clearances delayed the opening slightly, even after construction finished last year.
MLA Kishan Kathore inaugurated the line on Sunday. Kalyan East MLA Sulabha Gaikwad joined him for the ceremony. The event marked the culmination of a two-decade effort.
Historical and Religious Context
The shrine sits 3,000 feet above sea level in the Malang Gad mountains. It holds significance for multiple communities. The site features the Haji Malang Dargah, named after Sufi saint Haji Abd-ul-Rahman (Haji Malang Baba).
A historical claim adds a layer of controversy. In the 1980s, Anand Dighe asserted the location was originally an old Hindu shrine of the Nath Panth. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde revived this issue in 2024. The funicular now serves all pilgrims and tourists visiting this unique destination.
The new railway line promises to boost tourism significantly. It eliminates the physical barrier of the long staircase. Visitors can now enjoy a quick, comfortable ride to the top. This project stands as a testament to persistent planning and modern engineering serving spiritual and tourist needs.
