IIT-M's first hyperloop test track: Bengaluru-Chennai in 30 mins!

IIT Madras, in collaboration with the Indian Railways, has developed India’s first hyperloop test track, marking a major step toward futuristic high-speed transportation. The technology, capable of reducing travel time between Bengaluru and Chennai to just 30 minutes, envisions passenger pods moving through low-pressure tubes at speeds exceeding 1,000 km/h.

Also Read: Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway opens in Karnataka, full completion expected soon

The test track, spanning 422 meters, has been constructed on the IIT Madras campus with financial backing from the Ministry of Railways. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, sharing the milestone on social media, emphasized the role of government-academia partnerships in driving innovation in transportation. He announced an additional $1 million grant to IIT Madras, following two previous grants of the same amount, to further research and develop hyperloop technology. 

The hyperloop project at @iitmadras; Government-academia collaboration is driving innovation in futuristic transportation. pic.twitter.com/S1r1wirK5o

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw)

The hyperloop project at @iitmadras; Government-academia collaboration is driving innovation in futuristic transportation. pic.twitter.com/S1r1wirK5o

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) February 24, 2025

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Indian Railways aims to launch a commercial hyperloop project once the system undergoes extensive testing and demonstrates feasibility. The government plans to identify a 40-50 km stretch where the technology can be implemented for real-world use.

Hyperloop technology relies on electromagnetically levitating pods traveling inside vacuum tubes, eliminating air resistance and friction. This allows speeds approaching Mach 1 (1,225 km/h at sea level), making it a game-changer for rapid transit.

With ongoing research and government support, India is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation transport solutions.