The hyperloop route will link central Pune, Navi Mumbai International Airport, and Mumbai in 25-minutes, connecting 26 million people and creating a thriving, competitive megaregion. The high-capacity passenger and cargo hyperloop route will eventually support 150 million passenger trips annually, saving more than 90 million hours of travel time, and providing citizens with greater opportunities and social and economic mobility. The hyperloop system will also have the potential for the rapid movement of palletized freight and light cargo between the Port of Mumbai and Pune, creating a robust backbone for on-demand deliveries, supply chains, and next-generation logistics.

"I am incredibly excited to see this Pune-Mumbai hyperloop project go from a vision to reality as it starts detailed planning. The opportunity is enormous - to connect 26 million people with access to affordable infrastructure that will unlock significant economic and social value," said Sir Richard Branson. "It is an honour to work with the State of Maharashtra and its key stakeholders, sharing their vision to transform not only transportation but wider society."

The Pune-Mumbai route could result in USD $55 billion (INR ₹350,000 crores) in socio-economic benefits (time savings, emissions and accident reduction, operational cost savings, etc.) over 30 years of operation, according to an initial pre-feasibility study completed by Virgin Hyperloop One. The 100% electric, efficient hyperloop system will ease severe expressway congestion and could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 150,000 tons annually.

"Traditionally, transportation has been very vertically integrated. With a wealth of talent and technological prowess right here in India, we're looking for local partners to scale an integrated supply chain ecosystem," said Virgin Hyperloop One CEO Rob Lloyd. "The State of Maharashtra is positioning itself at the epicenter of a new global supply chain."

END