In a groundbreaking development, IIT Madras, in collaboration with the Ministry of Railways, has unveiled India’s first hyperloop test track—a 422-meter-long prototype that promises to revolutionize long-distance travel. Once fully developed, the technology could reduce travel time between major cities; for instance, covering 350 km in just 30 minutes could allow journeys from Delhi to Jaipur, roughly 300 km apart, in less than half an hour.
A Major Leap in Transportation Innovation
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking on X (formerly Twitter), lauded the government-academia partnership, stating, “Government-academia collaboration is driving innovation in futuristic transportation.” The project, funded by the Ministry of Railways, is built on the IIT Madras campus and represents a crucial step forward in the development of hyperloop technology. Vaishnaw hinted that after the initial two grants of one million dollars each, a third grant will soon be approved to further enhance the project.
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India testing hyperloop, could run Delhi to Jaipur in 30 min.
Delhi to Chandigarh in 30 min.@elonmusk @Hyperloop #Hyperloop #HyperloopTrack https://t.co/WwmkHSCDhU— Karan Singh (@kundalkaran) February 25, 2025
What Is Hyperloop?
Referred to as the “fifth mode of transport,” hyperloop is a high-speed transportation system that propels pods through vacuum tubes using electromagnetic levitation. By eliminating friction and air drag, the system can potentially achieve speeds up to Mach 1.0—approximately 761 miles per hour at sea level. Its unique design ensures immunity to weather conditions and promises a collision-free, energy-efficient, and round-the-clock operational system.
Looking Ahead to Commercial Deployment
While the current test track is a significant technological milestone, the Ministry of Railways is planning the first commercial hyperloop project soon. As research and development continue, the promise of drastically reduced travel times and enhanced commuter experiences could soon transform the future of transportation in India.
The successful development of this test track not only highlights the innovative capabilities of IIT Madras but also signals a promising shift towards futuristic transportation solutions in the country.
