‘Innovation In Futuristic Transportation’: Know All About India’s First Hyperloop Test Track | Explained

Last Updated:February 27, 2025, 16:33 IST

Hyperloop, often referred to as the “fifth mode of transport,” is a high-speed transportation system that could revolutionise long-distance travel

The hyperloop uses vacuum tubes to propel specially designed capsules or pods, allowing the capsules to reach speeds of over 1,000 km/h.

India is set to revolutionise transportation with the unveiling of its first hyperloop test track, the Avishkar Hyperloop, constructed at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras.

The 422-metre long facility has been developed with support from the Ministry of Railways and the efforts of several stakeholders, including L&T Constructions.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who attended the unveiling, expressed his excitement over the development, stating that this initial test track will be crucial in advancing the technology further.

“Government-academia collaboration is driving innovation in futuristic transportation,” Vaishnaw wrote in a post on X Tuesday.

What Is Hyperloop And How Does It Work?

Hyperloop, often referred to as the “fifth mode of transport,” is a high-speed transportation system that could revolutionise long-distance travel. It uses vacuum tubes to propel specially designed capsules or pods, with very low air resistance, allowing the capsules to reach high speeds of over 1,000 km/h.

In simple terms, the hyperloop works by using vacuum tubes in which the air pressure is significantly reduced, creating a near-vacuum environment. The capsules, suspended within these tubes, use magnetic levitation or electromagnetic propulsion to travel. This system eliminates the friction and drag that typically slow down vehicles, enabling unprecedented speeds.

Each pod can carry 24-28 passengers and travel directly between destinations without any stops. This makes the hyperloop a highly efficient transport option, potentially reducing travel times drastically.

ALSO READ: India’s First Hyperloop Test Track Unveiled, Travel From Delhi To Jaipur In Just 30 Minutes

How Fast Can Hyperloop Go?

One of the most exciting features of the hyperloop is its speed. The system could allow travel at speeds of up to 1,200 km/h, much faster than traditional trains or even commercial planes.

For example, a journey from Delhi to Mumbai (around 1,500 km) could be completed in just 90 minutes, while a trip from Delhi to Jaipur (about 300 km) could take as little as 30 minutes.

Team Behind Avishkar Hyperloop

The Avishkar Hyperloop team, formed at IIT Madras in 2017, is a group of students dedicated to developing India’s first hyperloop pod. This student-led initiative has already achieved significant milestones, including being one of the finalists in the 2019 SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition, where they were the only Asian team to reach the final stages.

According to the Avishkar Hyperloop website, the team is focused on developing an autonomous, self-propelled pod designed to meet the specific needs of high-speed transportation. Their project aims to create an indigenous solution that not only addresses transportation requirements but could also have applications in sectors such as defence, logistics, and aerospace.

Future Of Hyperloop In India And Beyond

While the hyperloop is still in its early stages in India, its potential is enormous. The development of the test track and the ongoing work by the Avishkar team are crucial steps toward realising the dream of high-speed travel in India.

Globally, the concept of Hyperloop was first introduced by Tesla CEO Elon Musk in 2013 through his whitepaper titled ‘Hyperloop Alpha’. Musk’s idea aimed to create a new mode of transport that would enable extremely fast travel by using pods travelling through vacuum tubes. The concept captured global attention, with many seeing it as the future of transportation.

However, despite its initial excitement, the Hyperloop project has faced numerous setbacks. Over the past decade, several trials have been attempted, but none have resulted in a viable solution or even a functioning system, as per a report by ECONews.

In late 2023, after considerable investment and hope, Hyperloop One, the company initially tasked with leading the project, announced the cancellation of the first phase.

News explainers ‘Innovation In Futuristic Transportation’: Know All About India’s First Hyperloop Test Track | Explained



_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}