The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has unveiled India’s first hyperloop test track, spanning 422 metres. Developed with support from the Ministry of Railways, the facility aims to propel the country into the next era of high-speed transportation.
The hyperloop system envisions transporting passengers in pods through low-pressure tubes at speeds exceeding 1,000 km/h, potentially reducing travel time between Delhi and Jaipur to just 30 minutes. The test track is expected to play a crucial role in advancing hyperloop research and technology, which could enable travel over distances of around 300 km in less than half an hour once fully developed.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the development on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Government-academia collaboration is driving innovation in futuristic transportation.”
The hyperloop project at @iitmadras; Government-academia collaboration is driving innovation in futuristic transportation. pic.twitter.com/S1r1wirK5o
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) February 24, 2025
Virtually addressing the closing ceremony of Asia’s first Global Hyperloop Competition 2025, organised by IIT Madras, Vaishnaw highlighted the Narendra Modi government’s commitment to innovation. “It is due to this reason that the ministry is able to work together with educational institutions,” he said, as per news agency PTI.
He also lauded IIT Madras for achieving breakthroughs in 5G technology, noting that India is executing the world’s fastest 5G rollout.
Additionally, Vaishnaw announced that the Indian Railways and IIT Madras would collaborate on Vertical Take-Off and Landing Vehicle technology, with funding from the railway ministry. “This will prove to be a very important step in promoting modern and innovative changes in the means of travel,” he said.
The video showcasing the 422-metre-long hyperloop test track at IIT Madras was also played during the event. Vaishnaw said the project reflects the strong partnership between Indian Railways and the education sector, helping India promote cutting-edge travel technologies globally.
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What Is Hyperloop?
Often referred to as the ‘fifth mode of transport’, hyperloop is a high-speed transportation system designed for long-distance travel. According to an official release, it involves an electromagnetically levitating pod within a vacuum tube, eliminating friction and air drag, potentially allowing speeds of up to Mach 1.0.
This system is expected to offer immunity to weather conditions, a collision-free commute, and speeds twice that of an aeroplane, with low power consumption and energy storage for 24-hour operations.
Addressing the inaugural session of the event on 20 April 2024, Chief Guest Jaya Varma Sinha, CEO of the Ministry of Railways, said, “From reducing travel time between cities to enhancing connectivity and unlocking economic opportunities, hyperloop has the power to reshape our world in profound ways.”
She also emphasised the need to address concerns regarding safety, reliability, and environmental impact while navigating legal and regulatory challenges to implement this revolutionary technology.
