Niti Aayog to work on regulatory framework for hyperloop project

PUNE: With no agency or government body having expertise on the hyperloop technology, state government sources have confirmed that the Niti Aayog has been tasked with putting together a regulatory framework for such new

technologies

.


Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have evinced interest in a hyperloop. The body will have to give clearances and regulate the project.

A state government official said that a committee under Niti Aayog would look into the feasibility of hyperloop transportation.

Former bureaucrat and urban planner TC Benjamin said that the cost effectiveness of fast transportation modes has been questioned. “The economics and technical aspects have to be studied before going ahead with any such mode of

transport

especially between Pune-Mumbai. Why can’t they repair the expressway and reduce the travel time to one hour. The hyperloop may not achieve the desired mode of mass transportation in practical sense,” he stated.

Former PMRDA commissioner Mahesh Zagade, who had initiated talks related to the hyperloop technology, is of a different opinion. “A proper mobility and feasibility study must be undertaken to understand the feasibility. With technology reducing time travel and people using video conferencing and other modes of communication it is about time that a reality check is done about such modes,” he said. While Zagade is happy no fossil fuel used, he pointed out that there should be a proper check on the technology before it is flagged off for the trial route.

PMRDA commissioner Kiran Gitte has, however, stated that the feasibility study is in the last stage and an inter-department committee will be constituted to chalk the way ahead. “The chief minister has written to the Prime Minister’s Office and probably the Niti Aayog will be involved in addressing the security concerns along with other agencies based abroad. The 15km Balewadi-Gahunje track will take off and we are in talks with MSRDC to have the pillars for the hyperloop constructed along the median of the highways,” added Gitte.