News Brief
Hyperloop, Ropeways And Electric Buses In The Pipeline: Gadkari Unveils Vision For Next-Gen Transport
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari/Twitter)
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to revolutionise mass mobility across India, including hyperloop systems, electric rapid transit, ropeways, cable buses, and funicular railways for challenging terrains.
In an interview with PTI, Gadkari said, “We are driving innovation. A revolution in mass mobility is underway.”
Highlighting projects already underway, he added, “Work is progressing at a war footing to transform how India travels, with a focus not just on metropolises but also on remote, inaccessible rural areas.”
According to Gadkari, ropeways, cable cars, and funicular railways are being planned across 360 locations, including Kedarnath, with work initiated on 60 projects. Costs for these ventures range between Rs 200 crore and Rs 5,000 crore.
Pilot projects such as Metrino pod taxis, hyperloop systems, and pillar-based mass rapid transit are proposed for cities like Delhi and Bengaluru.
“Technology and investors are both coming in. It will be a revolution,” he said.
The minister announced plans for a 135 seater electric bus pilot in Nagpur, capable of speeds up to 125 kmph and recharging within 30-40 minutes.
He said, “Eleven companies, including Tata, Toyota, Hyundai and Mahindra, have agreed to build flex-fuel engine vehicles".
Flex-fuel vehicles are equipped with internal combustion engines that can operate on more than one fuel.
Gadkari stressed that enhanced infrastructure will lower logistics costs and reduce air pollution.
“I am more than confident that in a year’s time, our highways will match the standard and quality of US roads,” he asserted.
India’s national highway length has surged from 91,287 km in 2013-14 to 1,46,204 km. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to plant up to 25 crore trees along highways, the minister said.
