Haji Malang Fort funicular railway makes the shrine trip easier

Haji Malang Fort funicular railway service is now helping visitors reach the hilltop shrine and fort near Kalyan with far less effort.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Located in Thane’s Kalyan area, the new setup is designed to improve access while making the trip itself a scenic ride through the surrounding mountains, as described by Free Press Journal.

Until now, getting to the top usually meant a tough trek: 2 to 3 hours on more than 2,500 rock-cut steps. With the funicular in operation, visitors can move from the base to the summit in just minutes—an easier option for elderly travellers, children, and people with health concerns who may struggle with the climb.

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India’s largest funicular railway at Haji Malang Fort

The line runs for 1.2 kilometres and is described as India’s largest funicular railway. It uses a cable system to move carriages up and down the slope. The incline is 33 degrees, and the train climbs around 300 to 400 metres in elevation during the short trip—details also reported by The Indian Express.

Each train set has two bogeys and can carry up to 90 passengers at a time. The round-trip fare is Rs 150, keeping the ride a practical alternative for visitors who would rather skip the steps.

How to reach Haji Malang Gad from Kalyan?

Those heading to Shri Malanggad can start at Kalyan railway junction, around 20 kilometres from Haji Malang Fort. From there, the base can be reached by bus number 45, by auto-rickshaws, or in private vehicles. Previously, reaching the top meant completing the full climb; the funicular railway now offers a seamless alternative from the base to the hilltop.

Best time to visit Haji Malang Fort

The best time to visit Haji Malang Fort is between October and February, when the weather is generally pleasant and better suited for sightseeing. With the service now running, the historic fort and the revered dargah are expected to see higher tourist footfall in the coming months, as noted by Hindustan Times.

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