- IIT Madras develops a 422-meter hyperloop test track with support from the Ministry of Railways.
- The hyperloop could enable Delhi to Jaipur travel in just 30 minutes.
- India’s first commercial hyperloop project may span 4,050 km after successful testing.
India has taken a major step toward revolutionizing high-speed transport with its first hyperloop test track at IIT Madras. Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Railways, this 422-meter facility demonstrates the potential of near-vacuum tube travel at over 1,000 km/h.
The government has shown strong support, with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announcing an additional $1 million grant for further research.
Hyperloop Revolution: IIT Madras’ Test Track Brings India Closer to Ultra-Fast Travel
India’s first hyperloop test track at IIT Madras marks a breakthrough in transportation technology. The 422-meter test facility demonstrates high-speed travel using electromagnetic levitation in a vacuum tube, eliminating friction and air drag. This enables speeds exceeding 1,000 km/h, making intercity travel possible in minutes rather than hours.
The project is backed by the Ministry of Railways, which has already provided multiple grants. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed a third grant of $1 million, reinforcing the government’s commitment to advancing hyperloop technology. The project is a prime example of successful government-academia collaboration in driving innovation.
Once fully developed, hyperloop systems could revolutionize India’s transport network. Routes such as Delhi to Jaipur, which currently take around five hours by road, could be reduced to just 30 minutes. This technology also has the potential to transform cargo transportation, making logistics faster and more efficient.
The Indian Railways plans to identify a commercially viable route once testing is complete, with a proposed network spanning 4,050 km. This could mark the beginning of a new era in high-speed transportation, drastically improving connectivity and economic productivity across the country.
The hyperloop project at IIT Madras represents a bold leap into the future of transport. With strong government support and cutting-edge technology, India is on track to revolutionize travel and logistics, paving the way for a faster, more efficient future.
“Eliminating friction is the key to speed.” – Elon Musk
