Chennai, December 5 – In a landmark achievement for India’s transport innovation, Indian Railways, in collaboration with IIT Madras, has successfully completed the country’s first Hyperloop test track, marking a significant step toward futuristic, high-speed travel.
The 410-metre test facility, developed on the outskirts of Chennai, is the result of a joint effort between IIT Madras’s Avishkar Hyperloop team and TuTr Hyperloop, a startup incubated at the institute. The initiative was officially announced by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who shared a video of the test track on X (formerly Twitter) and lauded the contribution of the young innovators.
“Bharat’s first Hyperloop test track (410 meters) completed. Team Railways, IIT-Madras’ Avishkar Hyperloop team, and TuTr (an incubated startup),” the Minister posted.
What Is Hyperloop and Why It Matters
Hyperloop is a next-generation mode of transport that uses magnetic levitation inside low-pressure tubes to move pods at ultra-high speeds — potentially exceeding 1,000 km/h. It is being explored globally as a sustainable and rapid alternative to traditional rail and air travel.
With this successful test track, India joins a handful of countries working actively on Hyperloop technology, placing the nation on the innovation map in terms of high-speed mobility and indigenous research capability.
Academic-Industry Collaboration at Its Best
The Avishkar Hyperloop team, comprising IIT Madras students, has been working on this project since 2017 and was among the finalists at the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition. Partnering with TuTr Hyperloop, the team aims to scale the project further for commercial trials and long-distance corridors in the coming years.
Railway Ministry officials hinted that future phases may explore longer tracks and integration with Indian Railways’ broader modernization vision, aligning with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.
