Have you been travelling the 3-hour journey between Mumbai and Pune for countless years and now accepted its hassle as a part of your life? Well, what if I say that it is going to be reduced to 35 minutes? Unbelievable, isn’t it?
Yes, we are talking about the most hyped project undertaken by the Maharashtra State Government, all set to become real from being mere words on paper. That brings us to the incomplete caption of the article, which most of you must have rightly guessed, ‘India is the first country to set up a fully functional hyperloop system.’
For those clueless about a hyperloop…
The idea of a hyperloop was popularised by Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX and the product architect for Tesla. Hyperloop is an ultra-high-speed transportation line, very similar to bullet trains. It will consist of a pod traveling via electric propulsion in a low-pressure tube. It’s expected to be over nine times faster than our regular trains. Well, I am yet to believe this is all happening in India! All those names about the Indian Government and our slow pace towards the future are a myth.
Mumbai to Pune in half GOT-Episode! (Almost!) 😉
The Maharashtrian Government gave the last assent to the construction of a hyperloop service between Mumbai and Pune, by Virgin Hyperloop One, a USA based transportation Technology Company, backed by Richard Branson and its shipping partner, Dubai-based DP World, with important business interests in India.
Initially looking to metropolitan cities of India, the company found a strong business in the state of Maharashtra under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The structure is looking towards establishment for better connectivity between the two cities, over 26 million people and targeting over 1.5 million trips annually. Another US-based company, Hyperloop Transportation Technology is looking forward to connecting Amravati and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh.
All thanks to the private sector for the public infrastructure!
You might be wondering how the Government of India will be on their heels to raise money for this humungous expenditure while the recessionary trends are setting in, creating financial deficits in the budget, but let me tell you, this scene is nowhere in the story.
Although the venture is described as a ‘public infrastructure’, most of the investment is coming from private companies with DP World investing over $90 million. The government is trying to keep the fare as minimum as possible so that this new development is as accessible by the top class and not-so-top class alike. Virgin Hyperloop One is planning to raise investment, build it, test it and then work with the Government to get it certified, after which funds for phase 2 will be raised.
The list of benefits is looonngg
In the face of the exploitation of resources in this modern generation, everyone is looking towards techniques to conserve their resources without hampering their economic growth. The hyperloop brings a solution in regards to transportation. The innovators claim that the capsule is magnetically propelled, which brings us to the juncture of zero emissions.
As we talk about the hyperloop making 1.5 million to and fro each year, it can very well be imagined that it is undoubtedly going to save a lot of energy and time alike. Side benefits from this new high technology also include relief in expressway congestion and more socio-economic mobility for the people. The project is going to be a mega boost for the ‘Make in India’ campaign as local sourcing in manufacturing, implementing and operating will create thousands of jobs for the now extremely restless unemployment crisis in the country.
Smarter India, loading…
Smarter India, loading…
The development of Hyperloop in India is certainly a moment of pride for every netizen. India, being a top exporter of IT services, is very keen on a project where their services can be utilized. Climate and employment, 2 of India’s biggest concerns are addressed by this new transportation service and it can be seen as a step towards a better India.
But with similar developments underway in the US, Dubai, China, and parts of Europe, will India be the first country to reach the mark? Only time will answer!
