Addressing the valedictory function of Asia's first Global Hyperloop Competition at IIT Madras, Vaishnaw underlined the government's focus on taking hyperloop technology forward in India.
"The first tube is a major step in developing hyperloop technology. We have already provided two grants of USD 1 million each (Rs 9 crore) to IIT Madras. A third grant of USD 1 million will now be given to further develop the project," he said.
50km hyperloop project for pre-commercial operations
Vaishnaw clarified that when the hyperloop system comes to be in a state ready for pre-commercial deployment, Indian Railways shall introduce its maiden commercial hyperloop project.
"We will identify a 40-50km site for commercial transport and begin operations. This project will help assess the viability of hyperloop technology," he added.
The envisioned fast transit system will travel at a maximum speed of 1,200 kmph, significantly cutting travel time.
Hyperloop development: A global race
Hyperloop technology, envisioned for the first time in 1970s by Swiss professor Marcel Juffer, is designed to transform transport using low-pressure pods traveling at super-high speeds.
Although Swissmetro SA began its development in 1992, the project was halted in 2009. Yet, hyperloop research has taken off around the world, with a number of companies now in the process of actively developing the technology.
There are currently eight large-scale hyperloop projects underway across the world, including:
- Virgin Hyperloop, which has been testing its system in Nevada, USA
- TransPod, a Canadian firm building a hyperloop test track
- Various initiatives in Europe and the Middle East exploring commercial viability
IIT Madras and railways to partner on next-gen transport technology
In addition to hyperloop, the Ministry of Indian Railways confirmed that it will partner with IIT Madras in creating vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicles, which would further revolutionise India's transport system.
With the success of India's first test track for hyperloop and government-sponsored funding, India is ready to become a leading player in the global hyperloop revolution.
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