India accelerates Hyperloop development, ICF Chennai to handle electronics system

The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai has been tasked with developing the electronics component of the Hyperloop project, marking a key milestone in the country’s pursuit of advanced transit solutions.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that ICF Chennai would handle the Hyperloop project’s electronics systems, highlighting its expertise in designing sophisticated electronic systems for the Vande Bharat high-speed trains.

He expressed confidence in the capabilities of ICF’s experts to contribute to the project's success.

IIT Madras has a 410-meter-long Hyperloop test tube—the longest in Asia and soon to be the longest in the world. Developed entirely with indigenous resources, this facility underscores India's growing self-reliance in high-speed transport technology.

During a live demonstration of the Hyperloop system, Vaishnaw praised the young innovators involved.

What is hyerloop and how it works?

Speaking to the media, he explained the project's working principles while standing in front of the test tube, which serves as the track for Hyperloop pods.

“Hyperloop is basically like a tube…There will be a vacuum inside the tube, and the pod, which operates inside, will move in a ‘levitation’ mode,” he stated. Elaborating on levitation, the minister explained that magnetic fields lift the pod above the track, allowing it to travel without physical contact. “The pod does not move on the track. It basically goes up, then moves. That is the principle of Hyperloop,” he added.

He referred to the pod as the “transporting mechanism” and the tube as the “transportation medium.”

While the project is still in the experimental phase, he noted that promising results are emerging.

“Maybe in a few years from now, we should have a good working model,” Vaishnaw said.

The minister also announced that the entire electronics system for the Avishkar Hyperloop would be developed at ICF Chennai.

“ICF Chennai has a strong electronics team that has worked on large-scale projects like Vande Bharat and other trainsets. They are capable of designing the smaller electronics required for this pod,” he explained.

Origins of hyperloop concept

The Hyperloop concept was first introduced by Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla and SpaceX, through his white paper Hyperloop Alpha.

It is considered the fifth mode of transportation, designed to move passengers and freight swiftly and directly between locations.

The system propels pods through a low-pressure tube using electric acceleration, potentially reaching speeds exceeding 1,200 kmph.

It is fully autonomous, safe, energy-efficient, and requires minimal maintenance. Importantly, Hyperloop is environmentally friendly.

Musk and SpaceX have open-sourced the Hyperloop concept to encourage innovation and further advancements, refining the technology over time.

Hyperloop and Viksit Bharat vision

This initiative aligns with the Indian government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 goals, Vaishnaw noted.

IIT Madras-based deep-tech startup Tutr Hyperloop aims to develop and commercialise India's first operational Hyperloop system.