Forget bad traffic in Bengaluru, Hyperloop can transport you in a flash

US-based firm signs MoU with the government to take up the feasibility study on routes from Bengaluru.
Hyperloop is a mode of public transport where the vehicle resembling a single metro coach travels inside a tube.
Hyperloop is a mode of public transport where the vehicle resembling a single metro coach travels inside a tube.

BENGALURU: Travelling from Bengaluru to Chennai could be quicker than a trip to your local grocery store if all goes as planned for US-based Virgin Hyperloop One, a company developing high-speed urban transport solutions.

Hyperloop is a mode of public transport where the vehicle resembling a single metro coach travels inside a tube. Only, this vehicle will not run on a track but will float owing to magnetic levitation. To enable this, the tube is turned into a low pressure zone. In other terms, the vehicle which seats about 50 passengers, can travel at 670 kmph, at least ten times faster than a regular train. For instance, a journey between Bengaluru and Chennai will take not more than 23 minutes, the company claims.

What is a hyperloop?

In appearance, it resembles a single coach of a metro rail. However, instead of running on tracks, the vehicle will be powered by magnetic levitation. The vehicle will be transported in a low pressure tube to achieve the desired speed.

Will travel be expensive?

The company says it is aiming at working out the cost of travel on par with public transport. Presently, the company is working with several governments across the globe including UAE, Finland, Denmark, Canada and Mexico, apart from several state governments in the US (Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Florida, etc). In India, MoUs have been signed with Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka governments. The vision for India is to collaborate with local companies for manufacturing the system here in line with Make in India, Earle told Express. The company has received $245 million in funding till date.Bengaluru-KIA, Chennai, Hosur and Tumakuru are some of the routes for which feasibility will be studied.

How fast is it?

Hyperloop will allow you to travel 300 km in 30 minutes.

What is the least and maximum distance for hyperloop travel?

The minimum distance is 20km while the maximum is 1,000 km. Beyond this, a flight would make better sense.

Will it have many stations?

No. A hyperloop will stop only at the destination with no stops in between.

Will it cost a lot?

The company hopes to provide the service on par with bus services.

When will it be commercial?

The company is likely to run its first commercial service in Dubai by 2023.

Which are routes considered from Bengaluru?

Bengaluru-KIA, Tumakuru, Hosur and Chennai are some of the routes considered.

Is it safe?

‘Your face won’t peel off,’ the company promises.

While at the outset the concept might sound straight out of a sci-fi movie, it is closer to reality. The company is already running one such vehicle at its test centre in Las Vegas, USA, and can start public operations in UAE by 2023, according to Nick Earle, Senior Vice President, Global Field Operations.

On Friday, the Richard Branson-backed Virgin Hyperloop One signed an MoU with the Karnataka Urban Development Department (KUDD) for a feasibility study, at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2017. The study will be for a period of six weeks. If the project is feasible, then the state government will be interested in pursuing it, Minister for IT and BT Priyank Kharge told Express.

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