India is set to make history in the transportation sector by developing the world’s longest hyperloop test facility. This ambitious project is being undertaken with the collaboration of Indian Railways and IIT Madras, aiming to take hyperloop technology to the next level.
The high-speed infrastructure is expected to reach speeds of up to 1,100 km/h. Following the successful establishment of a 422-meter test track in December 2024, plans are now in motion to build a 40-50 km-long hyperloop test track. Indian Railways will provide support for this project.
India’s First Hyperloop Test Track at IIT Madras
According to reports, a 422-meter-long hyperloop test track has already been developed within the IIT Madras campus, making it India’s first such facility. After this success, the government and experts are planning to expand it further. Sources suggest that the proposed new test facility will be significantly longer than the current one and could become the largest of its kind in the world.
What is Hyperloop?
Hyperloop is an emerging high-speed public transportation system that functions similarly to conventional railways but with advanced technologies for greater efficiency and lower costs. It involves capsules or pods traveling through low-pressure tubes, supported by air-bearing surfaces.
Indian Railways, along with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Construction and IIT Madras, developed the 422-meter vacuum tube testing facility. Playing a key role in this project is TuTr Hyperloop, a deep-tech startup incubated at IIT Madras, which recently completed India’s first commercial hyperloop pod test. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his excitement over this progress, stating that this technology will not only reduce travel time but also be environmentally friendly.
Collaboration Between Indian Railways and IIT Madras
An official statement confirmed that Indian Railways and IIT Madras are working together to develop vertical take-off and landing vehicles, with financial support from the railway department. Swisspod Technologies CEO and co-founder Denis Tudor highlighted the potential of hyperloop technology in India, estimating that a 40 km-long test track would cost between $150 million and $300 million. In March 2022, Swisspod and TuTr signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) backed by both the Swiss and Indian governments.
Also Read- India’s First Hyperloop Test Track Ready: Delhi to Jaipur in 30 Minutes at 1100 KM/H Speed
Hyperloop Around the World
The initial concept of the hyperloop system was introduced in the 1970s by Swiss professor Marcel Jufer. Later, Swissmetro SA was founded in 1992, but the company shut down in 2009. Meanwhile, Virgin Hyperloop has been conducting test programs in Nevada, but due to complex certification processes, it has now shifted its focus to cargo transportation. Similarly, Canada’s TransPod is developing its own propulsion and levitation technology. China is also working on a hyperloop-like system, aiming for hypersonic speeds.
China’s Hyperloop Progress
In February 2024, China conducted initial tests on a 2-km track, achieving speeds of up to 622 km/h. This surpassed Japan’s L0 Series train record of 600 km/h. However, India is now focusing on achieving speeds of up to 1,100 km/h.
Hyperloop is a groundbreaking technology where pods travel at ultra-high speeds within low-pressure tubes. Its success could revolutionize travel in India, connecting major cities faster than ever before.