Thane: The long-awaited 1.2 km funicular service at Shri Malanggad in Kalyan was finally inaugurated and made operational on Sunday, marking a historic milestone for devotees visiting the revered hill shrine. With the commencement of the service, the arduous journey that earlier took nearly two hours on foot can now be completed in just about 10 minutes, offering immense relief to pilgrims. The launch of the funicular railway is expected to significantly improve access to Malanggad, making the pilgrimage safer, faster, and far more convenient.The service was inaugurated by BJP MLA Kisan Kathore in the presence of BJP MLA Sulabha Gaikwad. The facility is set to benefit devotees particularly during the annual Shri Malanggad Yatra. In a special initiative, the project contractor has announced the service will be offered free of charge to devotees for the first two days, further enhancing the pilgrimage experience.The project was first proposed in 2004 by Kathore, but faced prolonged delays due to administrative hurdles and changing political circumstances. Construction finally began in 2012, but the work slowed again following the delimitation of assembly constituencies. The project regained momentum when BJP state president Ravindra Chavan, during his tenure as Public Works Minister, facilitated the allocation of funds to expedite the work.Although construction on Malanggad continued for nearly 13 years and the project was completed last year, its inauguration was delayed by almost a year due to pending safety clearances and other technical approvals. Building the funicular on the steep and uneven terrain of Malanggad posed several engineering challenges. However, after overcoming all technical obstacles and securing the necessary safety approvals, the service has now been opened for public use.Shri Malanggad, also known as Haji Malang Dargah, attracts devotees from across the country and is also popular among nature lovers from Thane, Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai. Earlier, pilgrims had to climb nearly 2,600 steps to reach the shrine, a task especially difficult for elderly devotees, children, and those with health issues. The new service, operated by a staff of around 70 personnel and capable of carrying up to 120 passengers at a time, ensures safe and easy access for all.The project, initially slated for completion by March 2015 at an estimated cost of Rs 93 crore, was postponed several times due to technical challenges and the difficult terrain, as the Malanggad hill is steep in several stretches.Beyond religious convenience, the funicular service is expected to give a major boost to tourism in the Malanggad region. Hundreds of people live on Malanggad and earn their livelihood by running guest houses and restaurants or selling flowers and garlands to visiting devotees. The new facility will also ease the daily hardships of residents who need to travel to the city for supplies. Irfan Khan, who runs a flower business at Malanggad, welcomed the development, saying, “With the start of this service, tourism will surely increase and more people will visit “
