Bhor Ghat , Maharashtra Overview
Linking Mumbai to Pune, Bhor Ghat is a picturesque mountain passage between Palsdari and Khandala for railway tracks and between Khopoli and Khandala on the road route in Maharashtra. Situated at the crest of Western Ghats, the area has abundant natural beauty and several scenic spots that also make it one of the most popular picnic destinations in the region. A ride across the route takes you through several beautiful valleys, lush green meadows and 28 tunnels to give you the spooky train travel feel. It is one of the best railway routes of the country and you should definitely experience it once.
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History of Bhor Ghat
Bhor Ghat was discovered by a local tribesman called Shigroba, who felt that a motorable road could run between the pass. So a plan was laid down by the Great Indian Peninsula Railway for a rail route from Mumbai to Pune. The original plan included 25 tunnels, 8 arched viaducts, blasting and removing of hard rock and building embankments. The construction was seen as a weapon and achievement in the ‘conquest of a colony’ by the British.
The construction work began in 1856 with 10000 workers, under the contractership of William Frederick Faviell. Very soon there were riots among the workers as Faviell mistreated his workers which led to riots that resulted in the death of a European official who tried to intervene and pacify the unrest. The contract was then passed on to Solomon Tredwell in 1859 who shortly died of dysentery and cholera, immediately after the work on the railway tracks resumed. The contract was finally granted to his wife Alice who then fast tracked the work and got it finished it by 1863. By the end of the project, 42000 workers were working on the bridge and the number of tunnels was increased to 28. It was open for public use in 1863.
The construction work began in 1856 with 10000 workers, under the contractership of William Frederick Faviell. Very soon there were riots among the workers as Faviell mistreated his workers which led to riots that resulted in the death of a European official who tried to intervene and pacify the unrest. The contract was then passed on to Solomon Tredwell in 1859 who shortly died of dysentery and cholera, immediately after the work on the railway tracks resumed. The contract was finally granted to his wife Alice who then fast tracked the work and got it finished it by 1863. By the end of the project, 42000 workers were working on the bridge and the number of tunnels was increased to 28. It was open for public use in 1863.
Bhor Ghat Railway
The 28 tunneled Bhor Ghat cuts a distance of 21 kms between Palasdari and Khandala. It is believed that more than 25000 workers lost their lives during the construction of the bridge due to the steepness of the bridge. Initially, steam engines were used to haul the trains across the Ghat but in 1929-30 railways was electrified. So then, these trains were hauled by locomotives.
In the earlier days, there also was a Reversing Station running parallel to the Ghat between Monkey Hill and Khandala, after tunnel no. 26. But the Reversing Station was shut down in 1929 owing to the construction of new tunnels.
In the earlier days, there also was a Reversing Station running parallel to the Ghat between Monkey Hill and Khandala, after tunnel no. 26. But the Reversing Station was shut down in 1929 owing to the construction of new tunnels.
Bhor Ghat Road Routes
The picturesque winding road runs between Khopoli and Khandala across Bhor Ghat. This 18 kms long road has six lanes on Mumbai- Pune Express Highway and four lanes on Old Mumbai- Pune Highway. A drive at this road is one of the most beautiful in the country taking you across acres of vibrant meadows with the backdrop of the mighty hills.
Sightseeing and Activities at Bhor Ghat
Bhor Ghat is no doubt one of the most scenic spots in Maharashtra. The place has also been featured in a lot of Hindi and Marathi movies owing to its natural beauty and picture perfect setting. Besides, it is a popular picnic spot and ideal for day outings. You can also find some adventure sports centres where you can avail a package to try your hand at various adventure sports and fun activities. In addition to that, the Bhor Dam or Bhatnagar Dam was constructed in 1927 which boasts of natural beauty and attracts a lot of tourists. Many people also visit here for the temples situated in the region which include Kalubai Mandir Jogwadi, the Bhoreshwar Temple, and the Ketkawale Balaji Temple.
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