Raigad is a coastal district in the Konkan Division of Maharashtra, with Alibag as its district headquarters. Formerly known as Kolaba district, it was later renamed Raigad after the historic Raigad Fort. The district combines the Arabian Sea coastline, Sahyadri hills, beaches, forts, ports, industrial areas and rapidly growing urban centres such as Panvel. It covers 7,152 sq. km and had a population of 26,34,200 according to Census 2011. Raigad Fort, Murud-Janjira, Alibag beaches and Matheran are among its best-known attractions.
Quick Overview of Raigad District
| Particular | Details |
| State | Maharashtra |
| Administrative Division | Konkan Division |
| District Headquarters | Alibag |
| Former Name | Kolaba |
| Area | 7,152 sq. km |
| Population | 26,34,200 |
| Literacy Rate | 83.14% |
| Sub-Divisions | 8 |
| Talukas | 15 |
| Villages | 1,909 |
| Municipal Corporation | Panvel Municipal Corporation |
| Main Court | District and Sessions Court, Raigad-Alibag |
| Major Railway Station | Panvel Railway Station |
| Railway Station Code | PNVL |
| Railway Zone | Central Railway |
| Railway Division | Mumbai Division |
| Alibag PIN Code | 402201 |
| Official District Website | raigad.gov.in |
The official district profile records 15 talukas, eight subdivisions and 1,909 villages.
Location of Raigad District
Raigad lies in southwestern Maharashtra. The Arabian Sea forms its western boundary, while much of its eastern part extends into the Sahyadri ranges. Alibag, the headquarters, is situated on the western coast at approximately 18.64° N and 72.86° E.
The district has close road, rail and economic links with Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Thane and Ratnagiri regions. Its northern areas, particularly Panvel, form part of the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region, while southern Raigad contains towns such as Mangaon, Mahad, Poladpur and Shrivardhan.
The combination of coastline and hills gives Raigad a varied landscape. Important coastal destinations include Alibag, Kashid, Murud, Nagaon and Harihareshwar, while Matheran is a well-known hill station.
Administration of Raigad District
Alibag is the administrative headquarters, with the District Collector’s Office located in Alibag – 402201.
Raigad has eight sub-divisions:
- Alibag
- Karjat
- Mahad
- Mangaon
- Panvel
- Pen
- Roha
- Shriwardhan
The district has 15 talukas:
- Alibag
- Uran
- Karjat
- Khalapur
- Tala
- Panvel
- Pen
- Poladpur
- Mahad
- Mangaon
- Murud
- Mhasla
- Roha
- Shriwardhan
- Sudhagad
Each taluka has its own Tahasil Office for revenue, land and related administrative work.
Raigad also has Panvel Municipal Corporation and several municipal councils covering towns including Alibag, Karjat, Khopoli, Mahad, Matheran, Murud, Roha and others. The current district portal lists one municipal corporation and 16 municipalities.
Raigad District Court
The principal judicial establishment is the District and Sessions Court, Raigad-Alibag.
The district judiciary handles civil and criminal cases through the Principal District and Sessions Court and various subordinate courts. Citizens can use the official eCourts system to check case status, hearing dates, court orders, cause lists and CNR details.
The District Legal Services Authority also operates from the District Court building and assists eligible citizens with legal-aid services.
District Court Location
The main court complex is located at:
District Court Building, Tilak Road, Alibag, Raigad, Maharashtra – 402201
The court is in the district headquarters area and is accessible from central Alibag by autorickshaw, local taxi and other road transport.
Raigad Railway Station
Raigad is unusual because its district headquarters, Alibag, does not have its own railway station. The district instead has several important railway stations serving different regions.
For major-line connectivity, Panvel Railway Station is one of the most important stations in Raigad district.
Railway Station Code: PNVL
Indian Railways lists Panvel as a Central Railway, Mumbai Division station in Raigad district. It is a major interchange for suburban and long-distance services and provides connections towards Mumbai, Pune, Konkan and other regions.
Other useful railway stations in Raigad include:
- Pen
- Roha
- Veer
- Karjat
- Khopoli
- Neral
- Matheran
The district administration specifically identifies Pen, Roha and Veer among the useful Konkan Railway stations within Raigad.
Panvel Railway Station Location
Panvel Railway Station is located in Panvel city, Raigad district, Maharashtra – 410206.
It is particularly convenient for northern Raigad and areas around Panvel, Uran and Navi Mumbai. Local transport from the station includes:
- Autorickshaws
- Taxis
- City buses
- App-based cabs
- Suburban rail connections
For Alibag-bound travellers, Pen can be geographically more convenient in some cases, while Panvel usually offers a much wider choice of railway services.
Road Connectivity
Raigad has extensive road connectivity with Mumbai and Pune. The district administration identifies the Sion-Panvel Expressway as an important Mumbai link, while the Mumbai-Pune Expressway passes through the Panvel, Khalapur and Khopoli side of the district.
MSRTC and private buses connect major centres such as:
- Alibag
- Panvel
- Pen
- Roha
- Mangaon
- Mahad
- Murud
- Shrivardhan
Sea transport is another useful option. Ferry and catamaran services operate between the Mumbai side and locations such as Mandwa and Revas, subject to schedules and weather conditions.
Nearest Airport to Raigad
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) is now operational at Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, with its address in the 410206 postal area. Commercial operations began in December 2025, making it especially convenient for Panvel and northern Raigad.
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Pune Airport remain useful alternatives depending on the traveller’s destination within this large district.
Raigad Pin Code
The main PIN code of Alibag, the district headquarters, is 402201. India Post lists Alibag Head Post Office at this PIN.
Important taluka PIN codes include:
- Alibag – 402201
- Panvel – 410206
- Pen – 402107
- Roha – 402109
- Mangaon – 402104
- Mahad – 402301
- Murud – 402401
- Karjat – 410201
- Poladpur – 402303
- Shriwardhan – 410221
Because Raigad is a large district, 402201 should not be used for every address. The correct PIN depends on the town, village and post office.
Major Tourist Places in Raigad District
Raigad Fort
Raigad Fort lies about 25 km from Mahad. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj developed it as his capital in 1674. The fort includes the Maha Darwaja, Gangasagar Lake and Hirakani Buruj, and a ropeway provides access to the hilltop.
Alibag and Kashid Beaches
Alibag is the district’s principal coastal tourist centre. Kashid, Nagaon, Kihim and Mandwa are other popular beaches along the Raigad coast.
Murud-Janjira
Murud-Janjira is a historic sea fort reached by boat from the Rajapuri side. Its offshore location and surviving fortifications make it one of Raigad’s distinctive heritage sites.
Matheran
Matheran is a hill station in Raigad district. Neral is the main rail access point for reaching Matheran and connecting with its famous narrow-gauge railway.
FAQs About Raigad District
Q. Which railway station should I use if I am travelling specifically to Alibag?
Alibag has no railway station. Pen is usually convenient for reaching Alibag by road, while Panvel is often better if you need a wider selection of long-distance or Mumbai suburban trains. Check the onward road connection before booking.
Q. Can I travel from Mumbai to Alibag by ferry instead of driving?
Yes. Passenger ferry and catamaran services operate from the Mumbai side towards Mandwa/Revas, from where road transport is available towards Alibag. Services can be affected by weather and seasonal conditions, so departure timings should be checked on the day of travel.
Q. Is Raigad Fort close to Alibag town?
No. Despite sharing the district’s name, Raigad Fort is near Mahad, about 25 km from Mahad town, and is considerably farther from Alibag. Visitors should plan it as a separate trip rather than assuming the fort is near the district headquarters.
Q. Which railway station is best for visiting Matheran?
Neral Railway Station is the usual rail gateway for Matheran. From Neral, travellers can use the hill railway when operating or continue by road towards the Matheran entry area.
