Hyperloop test track soon to test viability of Pune-Mumbai route

In a major breakthrough, Virgin Hyperloop Group in cooperation with Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) will start constructing a 10 km hyperloop test track from September around the information technology corridor in Pune. The Maharashtra government targets an completion by September 2019.

The proposed test track will be on the lines of Virgin Hyperloop One’s DevLoop Test Track developed in Nevada Desert, US, that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited last week. The test track is part of the the Pune-Mumbai hyperloop route being developed by Virgin Hyperloop One.

Officer at the state Chief Minister’s office (CMO) told DNA, “CM has written a letter to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to set up an inter departmental panel to put on fast track technical and security clearances on a priority basis. This is necessary as hyperloop track is being developed for the first time in the country. The government is in the midst of completion of land acquisition and acquire necessary statutory approvals. The test track after completion will be opened as tourist attraction.’’

The officer informed that at present an in-depth feasibility study for the Pune Mumbai track is underway. ‘’The state government expects after getting necessary clearances, the Virgin Hyperloop One to kick start development of Pune Mumbai track early 2020. The per km cost is estimated at Rs 140 crore which is currently required for the construction of elevated metro rail. It is likely to be complete in three years. A large portion of system components are expected to be manufactured in Maharashtra,’’ he said.

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The hyperloop route will link central Pune, Navi Mumbai International Airport, and Mumbai in 25-minutes, connecting 26 million people.

By Sanjay Jog: DNA