The Maharashtra government has tied up with Virgin Hyperloop to explore the possibility of connecting Mumbai and Pune with a hyperloop transportation system. Virgin Hyperloop will conduct a preliminary study in the region.

The US-based company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to identify potential routes and to analyse the high level economic impact and technical viability of hyperloop transportation solutions in India.

The company will work with its partners in the region and the PMRDA will help navigate the regulatory requirements and support the report with data.

The preliminary study is intended to analyse the applicability and benefits of hyperloop technology and identify high priority routes within the state based on demand analysis and socio-economic benefits.

With the construction of hyperloop, the travel time between Mumbai and Pune will be reduced to 14 minutes.

It will also streamline airport connectivity, such as connecting Pune’s new Purandar Airport to the city centre or Navi Mumbai International Airport to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.