December 7,2024 - Indian Railways, in partnership with IIT Madras, has developed India's first Hyperloop test track. This new technology promises to revolutionize rail travel by allowing trains to travel from one place to another in a matter of minutes.

What is Hyperloop?

The Hyperloop is a high-speed transport system. It uses a pressurized pod that can carry 24-28 people at a time. The pod will travel on a frictionless path at very high speeds, providing passengers with point-to-point access without stopping between destinations.

Successful Test at 100 km/h

A test run has already been conducted on the 410-meter long track, with trains reaching speeds of 100 kilometers per hour. Preparations are now underway to test speeds of up to 600 kilometers per hour.

If successful, the Hyperloop system could drastically reduce travel times. For example, a trip from Jaipur to Delhi, which usually takes several hours, could be completed in just 50 minutes.

Hyperloop Train Between Mumbai and Pune

India is also working on developing its first Hyperloop train, which will connect Mumbai and Pune. This will reduce the travel time between the two cities to just 25 minutes.

Location of the Test Track

The Hyperloop test track has been set up at IIT Madras Thaiyur Discovery Campus. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video of the test track on social media, expressing confidence that the technology will soon become a reality in India.

Phase-wise Development

The project will be developed in two phases. The first phase involves constructing an 11.5-kilometer track for testing and certification. After completing the tests, the second phase will cover an additional 100 kilometers.

Source: Media Reports