Concerns regarding the practicality of hyperloop technology for high-speed rail in India have been raised by V K Saraswat, a member of NITI Aayog. As the chair of a committee evaluating the commercial and technological potential of Virgin Hyperloop, he has indicated that the technology is still in its infancy and may not be financially feasible for implementation in the country.
Saraswat pointed out that, despite the interest from international firms eager to introduce hyperloop technology to India, the current state of this technology is inadequate. He stressed that proposals from foreign entities do not meet the necessary standards of technological advancement, making them unsuitable for integration into India’s transportation network.
The hyperloop, a groundbreaking concept first introduced by Elon Musk, envisions trains traveling at high speeds within a low-pressure tube. However, according to Saraswat, hyperloop technology is presently under study in India, and he does not foresee its immediate adoption into the nation’s transport systems.
In addition to hyperloop concerns, Saraswat addressed India’s dependency on lithium imports from China. He highlighted the limited domestic production of lithium-ion batteries, which has led to a reliance on imports, primarily sourced from China. In response, India is offering incentives to encourage the establishment of local battery manufacturing facilities, with expectations that major business players will soon start producing lithium-ion batteries on a larger scale within the country.
On the topic of lithium supply, discussions are underway about Indian companies exploring mining opportunities in nations like Chile and Bolivia. Rather than government-led initiatives, private Indian firms are pursuing business-to-business agreements with foreign partners to establish a more reliable supply chain.
Furthermore, Saraswat mentioned the successful trials of blending 15% methanol with diesel, conducted in collaboration with the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Ashok Leyland. This initiative marks a step forward in promoting methanol as an alternative fuel source in India, showcasing the country’s commitment to exploring diverse energy solutions.
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