Maharashtra signs pact with Virgin Group to build Mumbai-Pune Hyperloop

The Virgin Group, on February 18, 2018, signed an ‘intent agreement’ with Maharashtra, to build a hyperloop transportation system between Mumbai and Pune, which aims to reduce the travel time between the two mega cities to 20 minutes, from the three hours at present. The first hyperloop route will link central Pune with the megapolis, as well as the Navi Mumbai international airport. “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,” Virgin Group’s chairman Richard Branson said, on the first day of the Magnetic Maharashtra investor summit in Mumbai. With easier access to airport gates, the loop will be able to ferry 150 million passengers every year. “The proposed hyperloop transportation system will transform the transportation system and make Maharashtra a global pioneer in the space. The socioeconomic benefits of the project is USD 55 billion,” Branson said, claiming that the project will create thousands of jobs. Details such as the project cost and a timeline are yet to be announced. The hyperloop route will be a fully electric system and will have the capability travel up to 1,000 kms per hour. The proposed project will begin after a six-month in-depth feasibility study, which will analyse and define the route alignment, including environmental impact, economic and commercial viability, the regulatory framework and cost and funding model suggestions.