India’s longest funicular railway is an engineering marvel and a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience

Opened in January 2026, Shri Malanggad near Kalyan in Maharashtra, is India’s longest funicular railway. India’s longest Funicular Railway in Maharashtra stretches 1.2 kilometres and has changed how devotees would reach the revered hilltop Shri Malanggad temple. The journey that used to take around two hours rigorous trek can now be done in just 10 minutes all thanks to this. From 2,600 steps to 10-minutes rideAlso known as Haji Malang Dargah, Shri Malanggad is located atop the hill and thousands of devotees visit here every year. Earlier, reaching the shrine required climbing nearly 2,500–2,600 steep steps. But today, the journey takes just 7 to 10 minutes via the funicular railway. The shrine is now easily accessible to kids, elderly people, and those with mobility challenges.More about the Funicular Railway For those who don’t know, a funicular railway is a cable-driven system designed for steep inclines, especially in the mountain or hillside. There are mostly two carriages connected by a cable. When one goes up, the other comes down, acting as a counterbalance. This design ensures energy efficiency.The railway rises several hundred metres along a steep incline. It includes advanced safety features such as automatic braking systems and multiple fail-safe mechanisms.Quick information:Timings: 8 AM to 8 PM, a convenient time for pilgrims as well as tourists and photographers. Price range: Ticket pricing is affordable:₹150 for adult round-trip₹75 for children (round-trip)Free for kids under five yearsCapacity: Each trip can carry around 90–120 passengersTourism boostBeing the longest funicular railway, it is expected to boost tourism in the region by folds. Because now people can avoid a strenuous trek and enjoy a scenic and comfortable ride. The opening is good for local businesses and vendors around Malanggad. They are already witnessing increased footfall thanks to better accessibility.How to ReachShri Malanggad is some 15–20 km from Kalyan railway station in Maharashtra’s Thane district. Visitors can reach the base village via local buses, auto-rickshaws, or private vehicles. Best Time to VisitThe time between October and February is considered best for exploring the place and nature here. The weather remains pleasant all the time. It is suggested to explore during the early morning as summer heat could be uncomfortable.