New Delhi: The Central government is moving forward with plans to develop a 50-kilometre hyperloop corridor for commercial transport, following the successful completion of a test track at IIT Madras.
The project, in collaboration with Indian Railways, aims to test the commercial viability of hyperloop technology, which could revolutionize intercity travel.
IIT Madras Test Track Completion
IIT Madras, with support from Indian Railways, recently completed a 422-meter test track for hyperloop technology, marking a significant milestone in the development of this high-speed transportation system.
The successful completion of the test track, which was finalized in December of last year, provides a foundation for future hyperloop projects in India.
Government’s Next Step: Commercial Corridor
Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics, and Information Technology, announced that the government is now planning the development of a 50-kilometer corridor for commercial hyperloop transport.
The hyperloop project at @iitmadras; Government-academia collaboration is driving innovation in futuristic transportation. pic.twitter.com/S1r1wirK5o
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) February 24, 2025
This corridor could be the longest hyperloop track globally. The government has committed to providing IIT Madras with a third grant of $1 million (approximately Rs 9 crore) to support further advancements in the hyperloop project.
The minister emphasized that once the pre-commercial product is ready, the government will start the first commercial project within the existing railway setup. The exact location of the commercial corridor, expected to span between 40 to 50 kilometres, will be decided in the coming months.
The Future of Hyperloop in India
Hyperloop technology promises to drastically reduce travel times between cities. With speeds of up to 1,200 km/h, the system envisions high-speed, low-pressure pods that could offer a viable alternative to traditional rail and air travel.
IIT Madras and Indian Railways are also collaborating on the development of vertical take-off and landing vehicles, which could complement the hyperloop system in the future. The success of the test track paves the way for future advancements and tests, including the potential deployment of hyperloop systems for commercial operations.
