2/09/2017
PUNE: Hi-Speed
transportation company Hyperloop Transporttion Technologies (HTT) is
close to inking a significant deal in India for the implementation of the
technology that can potentially transport people at over 500 km/hr. In an
interview, the company's chairman and cofounder Bibop Gresta told about
way forward for Hyperloop in India.
He said that the goal of his travel is to establish a presence
in India. “I think the time is favourable for the country to look at better
ways of transit. About 70% of the rolling stock in India is out of maintenance
and needs replacement. Hyperloop intends to rehumanise transportation. It is
not just about going fast, but also about recouping the most important element
we have - that is time,” Gresta said.
When asked about the discussion he had with chief minister Devendra
Fadnavis and others during the visit, he added, “The Indian activities are
going so well that in the next couple of weeks, we will be able to make an
announcement. Right now, we are having two types of discussion. One is
routing--which is the best place to build a Hyperloop. Second, we plan to set up
a research and development centre to not only develop the Hyperloop in India,
but also use the country as the base to create some or entire pieces of its
component.
When asked that how does cost compare for Hyperloop against
the traditional systems? He added that generally, I can tell you that Hyperloop
system costs alpha or a fourth of high-speed railway (bullet trains) and the
cost is comparable to a metro system. The real question is not how much does it
cost, the question is how long it takes to recoup the investment. In case of
Hyperloop, we expect to give returns on investment in 8-9 years.
When asked Gresta that how can you say the cost will not go up
significantly if Hyperloop is implemented, he said that the problem of
infrastructure projects is mainly of the right of way. Currently, you go to a
farmer and the selling proposition right now is that you give me your land and
we will give you a little bit of money, we will create a tectonic barrier on
your land, your animals cannot cross over anymore and we give you back
pollution and noise. Therefore as a farmer you fight and fight hard. Slowly,
the cost goes up. How about going to the same farmer and telling that I don't
want your land. I just want a little piece on which I can build a structure
that can absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. I can build vertical
gardens, I transport water and bandwidth and have excess energy, which will go
back to you. We will tell him that we are in business together. This will help
us keep costs low.
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