Mumbai: The Virgin Group signed an ‘intent agreement’ with the State government on Sunday to build a hyperloop transportation system between Mumbai and Pune. The hyperloop is expected to reduce travel time between the cities to 20 minutes, from the present three hours.
The first hyperloop route will link central Pune with Mumbai and the proposed Navi Mumbai international airport, the foundation stone for which was laid by Prime Minister Narenda Modi. Virgin Group chairman Richard Branson, who is attending the Magnetic Maharashtra investors summit, said, “We have signed an agreement with Maharashtra to build a Virgin Hyperloop between Mumbai and Pune, beginning with an operational demonstration track in the region.”
With easier access to airport gates, the loop will be able to ferry 15 crore passengers every year. Mr. Branson said, “The proposed hyperlink system will transform the transportation system and make Maharashtra a global pioneer in the space. The socio-economic benefits of the project is $55 billion, and will create thousands of jobs.”
While details are awaited, the hyperloop route will be a fully electric system that can travel at up to 1,000 kmph. The proposed project will begin after a six-month in-depth feasibility study to analyse and define route alignment, including environmental impact, economic and commercial viability, the regulatory framework and cost and funding model suggestions.
