The 1.2-kilometre, cable-operated system is the first funicular railway of its kind in India and the longest in the country, reducing the arduous two-hour climb to Malanggad to a smooth 10-minute ride

The railway links the foothills to the hilltop that houses the historic Malanggad Fort, associated with the Maurya period, and the revered Mahadev Temple

Until now, visitors had to undertake a strenuous trek, making access particularly challenging for senior citizens, devotees and people with mobility limitations

With the railway’s long-awaited opening after 12 years, the site has become accessible to a wider cross-section of visitors, significantly enhancing inclusive heritage tourism

The project, initiated in 2013, encountered multiple setbacks over the years owing to technical upgrades, funding issues and administrative changes. Despite these challenges, its completion is being hailed as a landmark achievement for tourism and public access to historic sites