Hyperloop Coming To India? Here Is Everything You Need To Know
Jibu EliasJan 18, 2017, 05.17 PM IST
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In last few days a proposed hyperloop route from Chennai to Bangalore has been the major talking point in tech circles. Hyperloop is a new concept of transportation that can take propel people in travel pods up to a speed of 1,200 kmph. In a...
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country where long distance travel is a nightmare, especially due to our inefficient rail network and pricey airfares, is hyperloop the change we all have been waiting for? Here is everything you need to know about hyperloop and its proposed entry into India.
What is Hyperloop?
'Hyperloop is a proposed mode of passenger and transportation that propels a pod-like a vehicle through a near-vacuum tube at more than airline speed'. Although the concept of high-speed travel in tubes has been around for decades, it was Elon Musk in 2012 reintroduced this concept using updated technologies, incorporating reduced-pressure tubes in which pressurized capsule ride on an air cushion driven by linear induction motors and air compressors.
A firm called Hyperloop Transportation Technologies has approached the Union ministry of road transport with a letter of intent, reports Times of India . According to the report the routes being considered, including Chennai to Bangalore, were meant to run bullet trains and Japanese and Chinese teams are already conducting studies with regard to it. Do keep in mind that entrepreneur Elon Musk is not involved with this firm anyway.
If the project happens, then one could travel from Chennai to Bangalore in 30 minutes. The first hyperloop line in the world is expected to come up between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which will cut down the travel times from 90 minutes to 12 minutes.
However, in order to implement the technology in a country like India, there are a lot of challenges to be faced. For example, hyperloop requires series tubes connected in straight line. Acquiring land and building the infrastructure required will be extremely challenging. Additionally the high cost of construction, running will lead to higher ticket prices or a government subsidy to the project- which won't be financially sustainable.