‘World’s Longest’ 1,345-Foot Hyperloop Track Could Trial Run At 621 MPH Speed

In a groundbreaking achievement for high-speed transportation research, a team of researchers has successfully developed Asia’s longest Hyperloop test tube. Measuring an impressive 1,345 feet (410 meters), this state-of-the-art facility was built entirely with indigenous technology at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) in Chennai.

Hyperloop technology represents a revolutionary mode of transportation, designed to propel pods through near-vacuum tubes at speeds exceeding 621 mph (1,000 km/h). Originally conceptualized by entrepreneur Elon Musk in 2013, this fifth mode of transport—alongside cars, planes, boats, and trains—combines the speed of an airplane with the energy efficiency of a train and the convenience of a taxi. Though still in the experimental phase, Hyperloop has the potential to transform travel by drastically reducing time and energy consumption.

To develop and refine the test tube, IIT Madras researchers collaborated with leading experts from TuTr Hyperloop Pvt. Ltd. (THPL), the Technical University of Munich (TUM), and Neoways Technologies GmbH (NEO).

“This collaboration exemplifies IIT Madras’ leadership in pioneering next-gen mobility solutions,” said Dr. Satya Chakravarthy, an aerospace engineering professor at IIT Madras. “By partnering with TuTr Hyperloop, TUM, and Neoways, we are moving closer to making Hyperloop a reality.”

The project has also drawn significant government attention. India’s Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, recently visited the facility, witnessing a live demonstration of the high-speed transport system. Expressing optimism, he stated, “India will soon be ready for Hyperloop transportation, as the technology under development has shown promising results in tests.”

The research team is now preparing for the world’s first commercial Hyperloop project, set to launch next month. Their focus remains on refining key elements such as propulsion, levitation, and infrastructure optimization. Feasibility studies and route planning will assess potential Hyperloop corridors, ensuring the project meets safety, environmental, and infrastructural requirements.

Electronics for the Hyperloop project are being developed at ICF Chennai, further strengthening India’s role in pioneering this cutting-edge technology. Gabriele Semino, managing director of Neoways Technologies GmbH, emphasized that industry-academia collaboration will be crucial in transitioning Hyperloop from concept to commercial viability.

“Strong academia-industry partnerships are crucial to realizing affordable and scalable Hyperloop solutions,” added Dr. Aravind Bharadwaj, co-founder and director of TuTr Hyperloop. “This collaboration will enable us to create a revolutionary mode of transportation from India for the world.”