Mumbai to Pune in 25 Minutes? Indian Scientists Work on 1,100 kmph Hyperloop Tech; Video of First Test Track Unveiled
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Imagine traveling from Mumbai to Pune in just 25 minutes! This ambitious dream is closer to reality with India’s first full-scale Hyperloop project, a groundbreaking venture that promises to redefine transportation in the country. Spearheaded by IIT Madras and supported by the Ministry of Railways, the Hyperloop project is making swift strides, with the completion of a 410-meter test track marking a major milestone.
Hyperloop: The Future of High-Speed Travel
The Hyperloop concept involves pods racing through vacuum-sealed tubes at speeds up to 1,100 kmph, ensuring ultra-fast, eco-friendly intercity travel. For the pilot project, the bustling Mumbai-Pune corridor has been selected, promising to slash the current 3-hour travel time to a mere 25 minutes. If successful, the Hyperloop system could not only revolutionize India’s transportation infrastructure but also set a benchmark globally.
Milestones Achieved
The recently inaugurated 410-meter test track at IIT Madras’ Discovery Campus in Thaiyur is a collaborative achievement of the Avishkar Hyperloop Team, TuTr Hyperloop (a start-up incubated at IIT Madras), and Indian Railways. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video on December 5, proudly announcing the project’s progress.
The initial test achieved speeds of 100 kmph, with plans to scale up to 600 kmph in the next phase. Once validated, the project will expand to a 100-kilometer track, solidifying India’s leadership in Hyperloop technology.
What’s Next?
The project is set to proceed in two phases:
- An 11.5-kilometer test track for advanced validation of the technology.
- Full-scale implementation over 100 kilometers.
By 2027-28, a pilot cargo system is expected, further diversifying the application of Hyperloop technology. With projected ticket prices between ₹1,000-1,500—half the cost of a flight—Hyperloop offers an affordable, fast, and sustainable travel alternative.
Redefining India’s Transit Landscape
The Hyperloop system holds the potential to transform intercity travel, complementing existing systems like the Metro Rail. By merging innovation with sustainability, India is stepping into a futuristic era of transportation.
Watch the video of test track here:
Watch: Bharat’s first Hyperloop test track (410 meters) completed.
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) December 5, 2024
👍 Team Railways, IIT-Madras’ Avishkar Hyperloop team and TuTr (incubated startup)
📍At IIT-M discovery campus, Thaiyur pic.twitter.com/jjMxkTdvAd
Minister’s Optimism
Union Minister Vaishnaw expressed pride in the collaborative efforts behind the project, stating, “Thumbs up to Team Railways, IIT-Madras’ Avishkar Hyperloop Team, and TuTr. Bharat is ready to lead the way in Hyperloop technology.”
A Glimpse into the Future
Hyperloop technology could redefine how cities move, offering a faster, greener, and more reliable alternative for India’s ever-growing transportation demands. As the project progresses, the dream of a 25-minute Mumbai-Pune journey seems closer than ever.
