India Moves Forward with 50km Hyperloop Corridor for Commercial Transport

 New Delhi: India is set to advance its first 50km hyperloop corridor for commercial transportation, following the successful development of a 422-meter test track by IIT Madras in collaboration with Indian Railways. If realized, this project could host the world’s longest hyperloop track, marking a transformative milestone in high-speed transportation with potential speeds reaching 1,200 kmph.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the initiative, highlighting the government’s commitment to further research and development in hyperloop technology.“The first test tube will significantly contribute to technological advancements. After two grants of $1 million each (approximately ₹9 crore), the third grant of $1 million will be allocated to IIT Madras to continue its development work. Once we achieve a pre-commercial stage with a functional prototype, we will identify a suitable location within the railway framework for a commercial corridor spanning 40-50km,” Vaishnaw stated during the closing ceremony of Asia’s first Global Hyperloop Competition at IIT Madras.

The hyperloop project at @iitmadras; Government-academia collaboration is driving innovation in futuristic transportation. pic.twitter.com/S1r1wirK5o

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) February 24, 2025

Evaluating the Feasibility of Hyperloop in India

Sources suggest that the upcoming 50km hyperloop test track will enable Indian Railways to assess the feasibility of this cutting-edge transport system, which has the potential to revolutionize urban mobility by drastically reducing travel times. The first 422m test track, completed in December 2023, serves as a critical foundation for further technological advancements in the hyperloop sector

Global Hyperloop Developments and India’s Role

Hyperloop technology, originally conceptualized in the 1970s by Swiss professor Marcel Juffer, aims to redefine transportation by providing an ultra-fast alternative to conventional rail and air travel. Initial development efforts by Swissmetro SA began in 1992, though the company ceased operations in 2009.

Today, eight major hyperloop projects are progressing worldwide. Among them, Virgin Hyperloop has been actively testing its system in Nevada, USA, while Canadian firm TransPod is constructing a test track to validate its technology.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Railways has announced a collaborative effort between IIT Madras and Indian Railways to explore Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) vehicle technologies, further expanding India's focus on futuristic transport solutions.

This initiative underscores India’s growing commitment to next-generation transportation and positions the country among global pioneers in hyperloop development.