Hyperloop suggests two routes on Vijayawada-Amaravati

Hyderabad: The US-based Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) has suggested the AP government on two alternative routes between Amaravati and Vijayawada as part of the proposed 700-km hyperloop transport system connecting Anantapur-Amaravati-Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam in the state. The entire hyperloop project will be developed in three phases.

HyperloopTT presented a pre-feasibility route study to officials from the state Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) and other nodal state departments in Vijayawada on Monday. It has prepared the pre-feasibility and feasibility studies in association with Aarvee Associates of Hyderabad.

In phase I & II, a commercial hyperloop system between Amaravati and Vijayawada will come up, while in Phase-III, a commercial hyperloop system covering either northern or southern section of the vision corridor connecting Anantapur-Amaravati-Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam will be built. The second and third phases are interchangeable and can be implemented at the same time, according to a release from the company.

The Phase I alignment will be located in either Amaravati or in Vijayawada running East-West on a 5-10 km straight section to showcase the benefits of the system to the stakeholders and general public.

Bibop Gresta, Chairman and Co-founder, HyperloopTT, Joel Michael, India Head, HyperloopTT, and Sabih Khisaf, Head of Engineering (Middle East & North Africa), Hyperloop TT, made the presentation to the AP government.

Gresta said: “The Hyperloop TT system is an emerging form of ultra-high-speed ground transportation system that moves people and freight. HyperloopTT system will generate revenue and create employment opportunities and doesn’t depend on government subsidies unlike other transportation systems.”

Ajay Jain, Principal secretary, Energy Infrastructure and Investment Department, J Krishna Kishore, CEO, Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board, Dr Sreedhar Cherukuri, Commissioner, CRDA, N Balasubramanyam, Transport Commissioner and other officials were present.

Elaborating the future transport requirements in the State, Ajay Jain said: “The proposed capital city of Amaravati would house 3.5 million people and create 1.5 million jobs. The plan also proposes nine theme-based cities within the capital city to serve as the hub of activities serving unique functions and employment generation along with complementary functions.

Given the population of 3.5 million people, the total travel demand for the city is estimated to be around four million motorised trips by 2050. In addition, 10 per cent of these trips will be commuter trips to other parts of AP. Another 10 per cent of trips will come from floating population who travel into the city for various purposes. These totals to approximately 800,000 daily commuter trips. To support this requirement, there is a need for sustainable high quality robust mass transportation system”

J Krishna Kishore further adds: “APEDB is keen on inclusive economic growth and make the state an example of sustainable modernisation and economically competitive on the world stage. We are currently evaluating future ready technologies that will aid us in achieving the same. We appreciate the pre-feasibility presentation made by hyperloop transportation technologies and look forward to the feasibility study.”

HyperloopTT has also proposed for a manufacturing complex as part of the project. The proposed manufacturing complex will develop equipment such as building the tube, capsule, the track and 3D printing for the Hyperloop TT project.