Hyperloop One has big plans to transform the future of transportation, in a nation that will soon be the most populous country in the world. At a media event in Delhi on Tuesday, the company revealed that it was in talks to bring ultra-fast transportation to India, pending a decision by the Indian government that will be made before the end of the year. If the plan goes ahead, the company wants to source a large number of components locally, which would hopefully be a boon to Indian industry.
The Los Angeles-based company has made big steps toward making Hyperloop a reality, hosting a global design competition that received 2,600 registrants in five months. The company received 126 proposals from India. Of the 35 semifinalists announced in January that made it through, five proposals came from India. The eventual group of finalists are expected to be announced in May.
The system was conceived by Tesla CEO Elon Musk back in 2013. The idea consists of a vacuum-sealed tube, with trains running inside that can achieve speeds of up to 700 miles per hour. Musk released the idea as a white paper, and since then several firms have taken on the challenge of making it a reality.
“Hyperloop One will help accelerate India’s growth towards building substantial infrastructure that is financially and environmentally sustainable,” Rob Lloyd, CEO of Hyperloop One, told attendees at the media event. “We are already working with the governments around the world on passenger and freight projects, and we look forward to also partnering with India to support this endeavor.”
Before the finalists are announced, Hyperloop One will host two more media events to showcase the semifinalists’ designs. One will be held on April 6 in Washington, D.C., while the second will be held on April 27 in London.
The company has opened up a poll on its Facebook page asking respondents which India route they would like to see most. The five proposed routes are:
Mumbai Port to Old Delhi in 80 minutes
This route would link India’s most populous city, Mumbai (home to over 12 million people) to New Delhi, the country’s capital. In between, the route stops at Indore, the commercial heart of the state of Madhya Pradesh, and Jaipur, which forms the “golden triangle” of Indian tourism along with Delhi and Agra.
Mumbai-New Delhi route.
South Mumbai (Old City Center) to Port of Kolkata in 190 minutes
This route takes a sweeping route from Mumbai to the Port of Kolkata, the country’s oldest operating port. In between, it stops at major port city Mangaluru, major South Indian city Chennai, and Hyderabad, the country’s fourth-largest city.
Mumbai-Kolkata route.
Chennai Port to Bangalore International Tech Park in 20 minutes
This would connect Chennai to the International Tech Park in Bangalore, home to over 24,000 professionals working for 145 hi-tech companies.
Chennai-Bengaluru route.
Gateway of India to Marina Beach, Chennai in 63 minutes
This route contains a number of stops along the way to connect cities in the heart of India with Mumbai and Chennai.
Mumbai-Chennai route.
Bangalore Palace to Thiruvananthapuram Central Station in 40 minutes
This route links Bengaluru with Thiruvananthapuram, a major tech hub and the capital of the state of Kerala.
Bengaluru-Thiruvananthapuram route.
It’s an exciting future in store for Indian infrastructure.
