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(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) IIT MADRAS HAS UNVEILED INDIA’S FIRST HYPERLOOP TEST TRACK

(JANUARY-2025)

IIT MADRAS HAS UNVEILED INDIA’S FIRST HYPERLOOP TEST TRACK

The construction of India’s first Hyperloop test track, an 11-km facility at the Discovery Campus of IIT Madras in Chennai’s Thaiyur suburb, has been completed.

Key details

Hyperloop, a proposed ultra-high-speed, ground-level, solar-powered cargo and mass transportation system conceptualized in 2013 by American entrepreneur Elon Musk.
The system consists of a network of steel tubes, with pods traveling through a “near-vacuum” environment at speed up to 1,220 km (760 miles) per hour using magnetic levitation and propulsion.

Components of Hyperloop:

Vacuum tube: A low-pressure tube that’s kept near a vacuum to reduce air resistance.

Travel pod: Aerodynamically designed pods to reduce air resistance.

Compressor: It draws air from the pressurized column at the front of the vehicle, and releases it to the rear.

Significance

Ultra-fast transportation: Hyperloop can reach speeds up to 1200 km/hr, making it faster than bullet trains and planes for short to medium distance.
Cost effective in the long run: Lower operational cost and energy efficiency could make hyperloop cheaper than air travel in the long run.
Reduced travel time: For instance, a proposed hyperloop between Mumbai and Pune (Approx 150 km) could reduce travel time from 3 hours to just 25 minutes.

Challenges

High Initial Cost - Building the infrastructure requires substantial investment. According to research by Deloitte, the cost of building a one-kilometer Hyperloop track ranges between $25 million and $45 million, making large-scale deployment challenging
Safety Concerns - Since Hyperloop involves high-speed travel in a near-vacuum, ensuring passenger safety during emergencies is a critical challenge such as leaks and mechanical failures.
Regulatory & Legal Barriers - Hyperloop technology currently lacks established global standards and regulatory frameworks, delaying its adoption.

Way forward

Policy and regulatory framework - Forming a dedicated hyperloop regulatory authority.
Indigenous technology development - Collaboration with academic and research centres like IITs, IIScs and ISRO can drive technological innovations.
Pilot projects for feasibility testing - Prioritize small scale pilot projects to test feasibility, safety and economic viability.
International collaborations - Collaborate with countries actively working on Hyperloop technology such as the USA, UAE and European Union.

Conclusion

With the right strategy hyperloop can enhance regional connectivity, reduce carbon emissions and position India as a global leader in futuristic transport systems.