Skip to main content

Virgin Hyperloop signs MoU with Government of Maharashtra on preliminary study

Virgin Hyperloop One has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Maharashtra to conduct a preliminary study in the Indian region. The test aims to analyse the applicability and benefits of hyperloop technology, identify high priority routes within the State based on demand analysis and socio-economic benefits, and inform the Government of in any future decision to progress to the full project stage. Hyperloop One could benefit passengers by reducing a three hour car journey from Mumbai
November 17, 2017 Read time: 2 mins

Virgin Hyperloop One has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Maharashtra to conduct a preliminary study in the Indian region. The test aims to analyse the applicability and benefits of hyperloop technology, identify high priority routes within the State based on demand analysis and socio-economic benefits, and inform the Government of any future decision to progress to the full project stage.

Hyperloop One could benefit passengers by reducing a three hour car journey from Mumbai to Prune to 14 minutes. In addition, it has the potential to streamline airport connectivity, such as connecting Pune's new Purandar Airport to the city center or Navi Mumbai International Airport to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. To improve passenger and freight transportation, it could also look at connecting Nagpur, which is in the easternmost part of Maharashtra, with Mumbai and Pune.

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, 65% of freight is transported on the country’s congested road networks.

Hon. chief minister of Maharashtra, Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, said: A hyperloop route requires high-density traffic to become viable as a means of rapid public transit. Mumbai and Pune, the most and seventh most populous cities in India respectively, have the potential to provide an optimal route with a high density. By reducing travel time to under 20 minutes, a hyperloop route will help intensify the connectivity between the metropolitan regions of Pune and Mumbai, transforming the two cities into India's first and largest Megapolis,".

Related Content

  • Virgin Hyperloop One goes to Washington
    July 1, 2019
    Virgin Hyperloop One showcased its technology to members of Congress and federal stakeholders at an event on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The company says its mode of transport can transport people and goods three times as fast as high-speed rail. Jay Walder, CEO of Virgin Hyperloop One, says: “We are now seeing the groundswell of support that’s needed to realise the hyperloop revolution with the formation of the NETT Council and support from lawmakers across the world.” The NETT (Non-Traditiona
  • ITF diagnoses South Asia’s breathing difficulties
    August 26, 2022
    One of the world’s fastest-growing regions faces major transport sector decisions if it is to avoid spiralling emissions problems in coming decades. Alan Dron takes a look at a new report on Asia from the International Transport Forum
  • Hyperloop could create $10bn supply chain manufacturing ecosystem
    October 4, 2018
    Hyperloop has the potential to create a $10 billion supply chain manufacturing ecosystem in the Middle East, says Virgin Hyperloop One. The company says it could also improve safety, decrease pollution and reduce congestion, and adds that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are well-placed to benefit from disruptive technologies in transportation, with governments from both countries exploring autonomous pods, driverless cars and flying taxis. Amjad Almkhalalati, director
  • Virgin to build 35km Saudi hyperloop test track
    August 1, 2019
    Virgin Hyperloop One is working with Saudi Arabia’s Economic City Authority (ECA) to conduct a study to build a 35km test and certification track. The company claims its technology can reduce travel times between cities: it says the trip from Riyadh to the Red Sea port of Jeddah would be slashed from 10 hours to 76 minutes, for example, with the Riyadh-Abu Dhabi route cut from 8.5 hours to 48 minutes. The study will take place in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), located 100km north of Jeddah. It w