JOIN USWill the next generation fast-paced public transport system that ferries people at airline speed but at the cost of a bus fare hit Indian streets?
It appears so as the Centre is studying whether the US startup “Hyperloop One” type of futuristic transport network can be introduced here.
The technology for passenger and freight transportation, being implemented in some foreign countries, propels a pod-like vehicle through a near vacuum tube at more than aircraft speed.
Union Road Transport Ministry officials recently made a presentation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the latest modes of public transport system across the world recently, including the Hyperloop One, the Straddling Bus developed in China, and the Podcars.
Concerned over the growing traffic clog in urban areas, the government is exploring various models for modern public transport system, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said.
The prime minister is keen to shift to better modes of public transport and has asked the ministry to conduct feasibility studies of these models, Gadkari said.
In November, Dubai had signed an agreement with Hyperloop One to evaluate construction of the network. Once implemented, the travel time of 150 km between the UAE capital Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be just 12 minutes.