Hyperloop: Desi & Swiss firms tie up to accelerate new age transport solutions for India

NEW DELHI: In a bid to get hyperloop-based high speed transportation solution to the country, India has signed an MoU with Switzerland under which Swisspod Technologies and India’s TuTr Hyperloop have tied up to accelerate research in the field. The two companies plan to explore and assess potential commercial hyperloop transportation routes in India, and develop a blueprint for financing and constructing the system. They will jointly “spearhead the design and funding of a testing centre in India, serving as a hub for refining hyperloop technology, facilitating various experiments, and validating its feasibility in real-world conditions.”

India and Switzerland signed the MoU for advancing sustainable and high-speed transportation solutions here at the Swiss Residence in New Delhi with the ambassador Dr Ralf Heckner at the ceremony which had Rail Board chairperson Jaya Varma Sinha as the chief guest. “The primary objective of the MoU is to establish a robust framework for cooperation in the development and deployment of hyperloop technology within India, laying the ground for future sustainable mobility. Swisspod and TuTr Hyperloop, will pool their expertise and resources to accelerate research, testing, and innovation in the field, ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable progression of hyperloop systems,” the two companies said in a joint statement.

Jaya Varma Sinha said: “Government support and incoming investments are driving the ongoing transformation of Indian Railways… we have upgraded processes and infrastructure to include semi-high speed trains like Vande Bharat. We will continue to work on incorporating technologies to further build our capacity and I am positive that in the coming decade we will be able to greatly enhance aspects like passenger experience and cargo transit guarantee. It is important not to lose sight of developments that will shape the future of transportation and Hyperloop is an exciting step towards breaking the high-speed transport mould. Safety is paramount and I am sure merging of tracks between great minds and productive energies of India and Switzerland will continue to prioritise it in the development of this technology.”

Presently, India’s and Asia’s first hyperloop test track is being constructed at IIT Madras' Discovery campus, Thaiyur. TuTr says it aims to capitalise on its collaboration with some leading industry partners and its proximity to India's largest deep tech ecosystem, fostering the advancement of affordable hyperloop technologies. The initial goal is to address challenges in goods movement and enhance the efficiency of various industries, thereby boosting productivity.

Swiss Ambassador Ralf Heckner said: “We are delighted that companies such as Swisspod Technologies are already paving the path for the private sector's leadership in implementing the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement signed recently between the EFTA countries and India. With the right policy support and FTA agreement framework, I am positive that the economic ties between Switzerland and India will continue to strengthen. Hyperloop is an example of the emerging and exciting technologies of the future and we need to work together to realise the potential of these innovations for the betterment of society.”

TuTr Hyperloop co-founder & CTO said: “TuTr Hyperloop is leveraging the IIT Madras ecosystem and working towards the development of an affordable, homegrown hyperloop solution with generous support from the ministry of railways. To realise this objective, TuTr has established a strong working relationship with strategic partners from the Indian industry to develop a full tech stack sub-scale pod prototype. This pod will be operational in the hyperloop test infrastructure facility that is being created at the IIT Madras Discovery Campus. I am very excited about this partnership with Swisspod which is a significant milestone in our journey that has the potential to hasten the introduction of a sustainable high-speed mobility system from India, for the world.”
The joint statement says signing of the memorandum reinforces the alliance between Switzerland and India within the mobility sector. “Both countries exhibit a mutual focus to fostering innovation aimed at tackling challenges and seizing opportunities in modernising the railway system and embracing intelligent, sustainable transportation solutions,” it added.

Swisspod CEO Denis Tudor said: “Switzerland and India have consistently enhanced their strategic partnership in the realm of the transportation sector. The signing of this MoU further fortifies the bonds between our nations and underscores our shared commitment to transformative progress. We are honored to contribute to this thriving alliance by advancing and deploying the hyperloop technology in India, transforming its transportation system and setting a global benchmark for innovation and sustainability.”