India’s steepest amtrack cuts Haji Malang Fort trek from hours to minutes
A new amtrack has opened at Haji Malang Fort in Thane’s Kalyan area. The service aims to make the historic site more accessible by replacing a steep, two-to-three-hour climb. Visitors can now reach the fort in minutes instead of trekking over 2,500 rock-cut steps.
The amtrack covers a 1.2-kilometre stretch with a steep incline of 33 degrees. Each train has two bogeys and carries up to 90 passengers per trip. A round-trip ticket costs Rs 150.
The service is especially useful for elderly visitors, children, and those with health issues. Previously, the only way to reach the fort was a difficult trek, which discouraged many from visiting. The new amtrack shortens the journey significantly. Haji Malang Fort sits about 20 kilometres from Kalyan railway junction. Visitors can reach the base by bus, auto-rickshaw, or private vehicle. The best time to visit remains between October and February, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable.
The amtrack is now the largest of its kind in India. It offers a faster, easier route to the fort, opening the site to a wider range of visitors. The project marks a notable change in how people experience this historic location.
