Asia’s first Global Hyperloop Competition 2025, hosted by IIT Madras, successfully concluded, celebrating breakthrough advancements in futuristic transportation.
Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics, and IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, virtually joined the closing ceremony, where he emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering innovation through collaboration between Indian Railways and academic institutions.
During the event, IIT Madras Director Shri V. Kamakoti, speaking from Rail Bhawan, welcomed participants and highlighted the objectives of the competition. In his address, the Railway Minister reaffirmed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of propelling the nation forward through technological advancements and partnerships with educational institutions.
The competition recognised outstanding teams with prestigious awards such as the Best Demonstration Team Award, Demonstration of Braking & Traction System, and Best in Sub-System (Mechanical). Shri Vaishnaw lauded these young innovators, stating that their achievements reflect India’s world-class capabilities in science and engineering and will accelerate the country’s journey toward next-generation transportation.
Highlighting India’s technological strides, Shri Vaishnaw noted that IIT Madras played a pivotal role in the success of India’s 5G rollout—the fastest in the world. Building on this legacy, Indian Railways and IIT Madras will now collaborate on a Vertical Take-Off & Landing (VTOL) Vehicle project, funded by Indian Railways. This initiative aims to drive modern advancements in mobility and transportation.
Dignitaries, including Railway Board Chairman & CEO Shri Satish Kumar, were present at the event. The 422-meter-long Hyperloop test track at IIT Madras, Chennai, stands as a testament to the strong partnership between Indian Railways and the education sector, paving the way for groundbreaking railway innovations and futuristic travel solutions.
