India set to make history by constructing the world’s longest Hyperloop test track

India has announced plans to construct the world’s longest Hyperloop test facility, designed to achieve speeds of up to 1,100 kilometers per hour (kmph). 

This project would revolutionize transportation by enabling travel speeds up to 1,100 kilometers per hour (kmph). Spearheaded by Indian Railways in collaboration with TuTr Hyperloop and IIT Madras, this ambitious initiative represents a major leap toward futuristic travel solutions.

Hyperloop technology, first introduced by Elon Musk in 2012, envisions high-speed pods traveling through low-pressure tubes, significantly reducing air resistance and friction. This system promises to drastically cut travel times while offering an energy-efficient and sustainable alternative to conventional transportation methods.

In December 2024, India achieved a significant milestone by completing a 410-meter Hyperloop test track at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras's Discovery Campus in Thaiyur. The project was a joint effort between the Avishkar Hyperloop team, IIT Madras, and TuTr Hyperloop, a deep-tech startup incubated at the institute. Initial tests on this track confirmed the feasibility of Hyperloop technology in India, setting the stage for further developments.

Building on this success, plans are underway to construct a 40 to 50-kilometer Hyperloop test track, making it the longest of its kind globally. Indian Railways is backing this initiative to evaluate the technology’s commercial viability. The project is estimated to cost between $150 million and $300 million, depending on the final specifications.

One of the most anticipated applications of Hyperloop technology in India is the proposed Mumbai-Pune corridor. Currently, the train journey between these two cities takes over three hours, but with Hyperloop, it could be reduced to under 30 minutes. This innovation is expected to transform daily commuting and boost regional economic activities.

The Indian Hyperloop initiative has also attracted international interest. Swisspod Technologies, a Swiss-American company, has expressed enthusiasm for collaborating on the project, underscoring the global potential and scalability of Hyperloop systems. Such partnerships could accelerate the development and deployment of this cutting-edge technology in India.

With India actively working toward the world’s longest Hyperloop test track, the country is taking a bold step toward redefining high-speed transportation. By embracing this groundbreaking technology, India aims to enhance connectivity, reduce travel times, and create a more efficient and sustainable transport network for the future.