Imagine reaching your destination faster by train than by plane! It may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but this is becoming a reality as India prepares for the test run of its first-ever Hyperloop train. The Indian Railways is all set to test this groundbreaking high-speed transport system on the country's first 410 km-long Hyperloop track.
Recently, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video announcing the completion of India’s first Hyperloop track. "India’s first Hyperloop test track (410 meters) completed," he tweeted, showcasing the progress of this futuristic project.
What is a Hyperloop Train?
A Hyperloop train represents a next-gen transportation system designed for both passengers and freight. It uses a pod that travels within a vacuum-sealed, transparent tube, aided by magnetic technology, allowing the train to move with minimal friction. This unique system can theoretically reach speeds of up to 1200 km/h, but the Indian Hyperloop is expected to reach a top speed of 600 km/h.
Watch: Bharat’s first Hyperloop test track (410 meters) completed.
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) December 5, 2024
👍 Team Railways, IIT-Madras’ Avishkar Hyperloop team and TuTr (incubated startup)
📍At IIT-M discovery campus, Thaiyur pic.twitter.com/jjMxkTdvAd
Hyperloop Train Speed: Mumbai to Pune in Just 25 Minutes
With Hyperloop technology, travel times between cities will shrink drastically. The train will travel far faster than bullet trains, and in some cases, even airplanes. For example, the journey from Mumbai to Pune, which takes 3-4 hours by regular trains, will be completed in just 25 minutes aboard the Hyperloop. This revolutionary technology could even surpass air travel in terms of speed!
The first Hyperloop train will run between Mumbai and Pune at an initial speed of 360 km/h, with future upgrades potentially reaching the full 600 km/h. The 25-minute commute will make daily travel between the two major cities in Maharashtra not only feasible but incredibly fast.
Hyperloop Train Ticket: Costing as Much as Airfare?
While Hyperloop trains will offer faster travel than planes, it’s speculated that ticket prices might be similar to, or even exceed, airfare costs. However, the experience will be far smoother. Hyperloop passengers will enjoy a nonstop journey without the typical delays and stops associated with air or train travel. Each pod will carry between 24-28 passengers, ensuring a comfortable ride to the destination.
The Hyperloop concept, introduced by Elon Musk in 2013, envisions transporting people at lightning speeds between cities, such as Los Angeles to San Francisco. Now, this futuristic idea is on the verge of becoming a reality in India, changing the way we think about travel forever.
