After 12 years of delays, the Malang Gad Funicular Railway in Thane has opened, cutting the steep two-hour trek to a 10-minute ride. Inaugurated by Sulbha Ganpat Gaikwad and Kishan Kathore, the railway makes the historic fort and Mahadev Temple accessible to all citizens, with a framed tribute to Shivaji Maharaj inside the station
-1768805720162_d.png "Malanggad funicular railway opens after 12 years, cuts journey to 10 minutes")
India's longest funicular railway started at Malang Gad, Thane after 12 years. PIC/ X @sulbhagaikwad7
After more than a decade marked by delays, funding constraints and bureaucratic hurdles, the Malanggad Funicular Railway in Thane district was inaugurated on Sunday, promising to transform access to the historic hill fort. 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 Malang Gad 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.
The railway was inaugurated by MLA Sulbha Ganpat Gaikwad and Kishan Kathore, who underscored the importance of improving access to cultural and historical landmarks. A tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has also been installed at the station, featuring a framed ode honouring the Maratha king and reinforcing the site’s historical significance.
Designed with safety, convenience and scenic appeal in mind, the funicular offers passengers a comfortable journey with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and lush greenery. Pilgrims to the Mahadev Temple, tourists and school groups are expected to benefit from the improved connectivity.
Officials hope the new railway will not only boost heritage tourism but also promote educational and cultural visits. By removing physical barriers to access, the project ensures that Malang Gad’s history, culture and spiritual importance can be experienced by people of all ages and abilities.
With the inauguration of India’s longest funicular railway, Malanggad now stands as an example of modern infrastructure complementing historical preservation, offering visitors a safe, convenient and memorable way to explore the fort and temple.
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