Maharashtra's Malang Gad hill gets a facelift: India’s longest funicular railway boosts pilgrimage and trekking

Malang Gad hill, popularly known as Haji Malang, has undergone a major transformation since the launch of India’s longest funicular railway last month. The railway has made the hill more accessible, attracting devotees and tourists, and giving a strong boost to religious tourism and the local economy.

The new railway has resulted in a four- to five-fold increase in the number of visitors, both for pilgrimage and sightseeing. Around 72,000 passengers have used the funicular railway in the last three weeks. On average, 3,500 passengers use it daily, while peak days see numbers crossing 8,000.

The sharp rise in footfall has benefited 2,500 to 3,000 residents living on the hill. Most locals earn their livelihood by selling flower garlands, running hotels, operating guest houses, and managing shops near the shrine, leading to increased income and business opportunities.

Officials operating the railway have stated that due to growing public demand, plans are underway to increase the frequency of trips. The railway has a capacity of up to 16,000 passengers per day, ensuring it can accommodate more visitors in the future.

The shrine sits at an altitude of 2,590 ft and holds immense religious importance. Muslims regard it as the dargah of Sufi saint Haji Malang Baba, while Hindus consider it the samadhi of Baba Machindranath. Devotees from both communities continue to visit in large numbers, despite legal considerations.

Malang Gad is also a popular trekking destination, attracting adventure enthusiasts to nearby Balekilla, a fort at 3,200 ft. Visitors enjoy trekking and sightseeing, making the hill appealing to both pilgrims and adventure tourists.

The funicular railway has reduced the journey from nearly two-and-a-half hours on foot to just seven minutes. Despite this convenience, many tourists and trekkers still prefer the traditional route, climbing 2,600 steps for the full trekking experience.

The funicular railway was implemented through the Public Works Department (PWD) and constructed by Supreme Infrastructure India Limited. Company Director Pankaj Sharma said the railway is 1,174 meters long, making it India’s longest funicular railway.

Chief Operating Officer Zaheer Sheikh Ahmed, associated with the project for 13 years, stated that construction posed several challenges. Work had to strictly follow guidelines from the Forest Department, Matheran EcoSensitive Zone, Ministry of Environment and Forests, and Central Empowered Committee.

Construction materials were manually transported using local labour, often under difficult weather conditions, requiring significant effort and coordination. The project successfully combined technical precision with environmental compliance, resulting in a fully operational railway.