6.12.17

Pune-Mumbai hyperloop snippets

The Pune Metropolitan Regional Development Authority, in collaboration with the United States-based Virgin Hyperloop One, has started a pre-feasibility study of the proposed hyperloop project for a speedy commute between Pune and Mumbai. A team of Virgin Hyperloop One also visited Shivajinagar station to identify ideal areas for the hyperloop station, given this central location and its connectivity to different parts of the city.

A cutting-edge mode of transport, hyperloops carry passengers and freight in pods via electromagnetic propulsion through a low-pressure tube. The preliminary study is intended to analyse the benefits of the technology, and identify high-priority routes and socio-economic benefits, the report of which is to be submitted to the state government within the next six weeks.

Before identifying the places, a workshop was conducted with PMRDA to finalise and evaluate possible hyperloop routes in the preliminary study. The session was attended by the officials of PMRDA, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, National Highways Authority of India, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, Pune Regional Transport Office, National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited and other relevant stakeholders.

PMRDA chief and metropolitan commissioner Kiran Gitte shared, “The hyperloop will directly connect the proposed airport at Purandar to Navi Mumbai. Among possible routes that were discussed, a track might be steered from Central Mumbai around Dadar to Shivajinagar in Pune. We also discussed the possibility of connecting Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust to the Chakan MIDC area. We further spoke about potential extensions to the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport of Mumbai.”

Gitte added that they have identified the Pune-Mumbai Expressway as a potential corridor to lay down the hyperloop. “The area is has already aligned with the hills, making the task easier,” he informed.

Another official, on the condition of anonymity, emphasised on the transportation’s feasibility if it is laid through the E-way. “The track can be ducted from Dadar through Navi Mumbai Airport, Vashi, Sion and Sewri,” the officer said.

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