Funicular trolley becomes operational at Saptashrungi hilltop

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today inaugurated the country's first Funicular trolley project for pilgrims who throng the famous Saptashrungi devi hilltop temple in Nashik district.

"The Funicular Trolley will zoom up the 167 metre tall Saptashrungi Hills in the picturesque north end of Western Ghats to the temple atop, saving pilgrims the toil to climb over 500 steps," said Kishor Kedar, Acting Executive Engineer, PWD.

The temple is located around 65 kms away from Nashik city in Kalvan taluka of the district.

A Funicular Trolley is a pair of vehicles pulled up a slope by a cable which loops over a pulley wheel at the upper end of a track. While one vehicle ascends the other one descends the track, and thus they counterbalance each other.

The Funicular trolley project had been launched by then public works department minister Chhagan Bhujbal of the NCP in August 2009.

The trolley vehicles have the capacity to accommodate 60 people each, Kedar said, adding that devotees can reach the hill top temple within 3 minutes.

The PWD has also constructed concrete pillars and a retaining wall to support the system.

The trolley was constructed by Nagpur-based Suyog Gurbaxani Pvt. Ltd.

Kedar said the fare per pilgrim will be Rs 80 per trip.

The chief minister also inaugurated a plastic bottles crushing plant and the beautified lake at the hilltop.

Speaking on the occasion, he assured all possible help by the Maharashtra government for boosting tourism in Nashik district.

Nashik district guardian minister Girish Mahajan, NCP MLA Chhagan Bhujbal and other public representatives were present on the occasion.

Lakhs of devotees from across Maharashtra throng the temple during Navaratri festival every year.