The promise of hyperloop

Despite hurdles, it makes sense to persist

Imagine a long sealed tube with almost all the air pumped out. There are electronic magnets embedded inside the tube, creating a strong field. An aerodynamic pod is introduced into the tube. The pod levitates within the magnetic field and it faces little friction due to the vacuum. The pod is driven by an electric linear motor. Due to near-zero friction, the pod could zip along at speeds of 1,200 kmph or more. What is more, the pod could be moved with very little energy being expended. Such a system could carry both passengers and cargo at great speeds. This is a hyperloop system, an ingenious transportation option dreamt up by Elon Musk.

It may sound like science fiction, and that is what it was until 2013 when Musk unveiled the concept in a white paper with a few back of the envelope calculations. There is now a pilot project with a 1,600 metre tube built in California where experimental pods can make test runs. This weekend, many companies, including one from India, is participating in a competition to test new pod designs. The emphasis will be on speed and the ability to brake within short distances but obviously,