India’s Hyperloop Dream Takes Off: First Test Track Completed by IIT Madras and Indian Railways

India’s first Hyperloop test track, a 410-meter breakthrough by IIT Madras and Indian Railways, marks a bold leap towards futuristic high-speed travel

New Delhi, 6 December 2024

India has taken a bold step into the future of transportation with the completion of it’s first-ever Hyperloop test track, marking a significant milestone in cutting-edge travel technology. The 410-meter track, a collaborative achievement of the Indian Railways and IIT Madras, was unveiled on Thursday, accompanied by a celebratory video shared by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on social platform ‘X’.

This breakthrough project is powered by the Avishkar Hyperloop team at IIT Madras and TuTr Hyperloop, a startup incubated at the prestigious institution. Together, they have set the stage for India to join the global race to implement Hyperloop technology, a concept that first captured the world’s imagination when tech entrepreneur Elon Musk popularized it in 2012.

Also read: 55 Transfers in 33 Years: How IAS Officer Ashok Khemka’s Final Role as ACS will impact Haryana’s Transport Dept?

The Avishkar Hyperloop team, comprising 76 students from undergraduate and postgraduate programs, has spearheaded the effort. The roadmap includes two phases of implementation, designed to refine the technology and eventually bring it to public infrastructure.

The Hyperloop system, often described as the “fifth mode of transport,” uses pods to shuttle passengers through low-pressure tubes at mind-boggling speeds. These pressurized pods, accommodating 24-28 passengers, promise uninterrupted, direct travel between cities, bypassing traditional stop-and-go constraints.

The Hyperloop’s potential to transform India’s transportation network is immense. Beyond speed, the system’s efficiency and futuristic design align perfectly with the country’s growing emphasis on innovation-driven infrastructure.

This achievement underlines India’s readiness to embrace disruptive technologies and positions the nation as a key player in the global Hyperloop movement. The project not only reflects the technical brilliance of IIT Madras but also showcases how academia, startups, and government collaboration can propel the country toward a high-tech future.