In a landmark achievement for India’s transportation landscape, the nation’s first Hyperloop test track has been successfully unveiled at IIT Madras. The 410-metre-long test track is a crucial milestone in the development of India’s first Hyperloop system, which is set to revolutionise travel between Mumbai and Pune. This ambitious project, designed to drastically reduce travel time, is poised to reshape inter-city travel by cutting down the current journey from over three hours to just 25 minutes.
The Mumbai-Pune route has been earmarked as the site for India’s first operational Hyperloop system, with the project being divided into two distinct phases. The initial phase focuses on a test track spanning 11.5 kilometres to demonstrate the technology’s safety and operational viability. Phase two will see the expansion of the network, with plans to extend the system to 100 kilometres, facilitating real-world travel at high speeds. The project has seen collaborative efforts from 76 students of IIT Madras’ Avishkar Hyperloop team, along with support from TuTr, a tech company contributing to the project’s engineering. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw lauded the achievements of Indian Railways, TuTr, and IIT Madras, emphasising the significant role this development will play in India’s transportation future.
Hyperloop technology, first conceptualised by Elon Musk in 2012, operates by transporting passengers in pressurised pods travelling at remarkable speeds within low-pressure vacuum tubes. With the ability to reach speeds of up to 1,100 km/h, the system offers a faster, more energy-efficient alternative to conventional travel methods. The Mumbai-Pune Hyperloop will also provide a cost-effective solution, with estimated ticket prices ranging between INR 1,000 to INR 1,500, making it an affordable substitute for flying. India is also exploring the potential for Hyperloop in the cargo sector, with Quintrans Hyperloop, a Pune-based firm, planning to launch its first cargo system by 2027-2028. A 100-metre pilot facility is already under construction in Pune to test the cargo version of the system, highlighting the versatility of the technology in transforming both passenger and freight transportation.
The success of this project not only promises to reduce travel time but also stands as a testament to India’s growing capabilities in pioneering innovative transportation solutions. If realised, it could mark a transformative shift in how people travel between cities in India, providing a swift, safe, and sustainable alternative to conventional modes of transport.
