Day 49 – Q 3.What is hyper loop technology? Do you think this technology is really needed in India? Critically examine.
3. What is hyper loop technology? Do you think this technology is really needed in India? Critically examine.
हाइपर लूप तकनीक क्या है? क्या आपको लगता है कि भारत में इस तकनीक की वास्तव में आवश्यकता है? समालोचनात्मक जांच करें।
Approach:
- Introduction- About hyper loop technology.
- Need in India- Reason behind this criticism and Why is it needed? – Balanced criticism.
- Conclusion
Introduction:
Hyperloop is a new form of ground transport. It will have passengers travelling in floating pods within low-pressure tubes.
The pods are designed to float on air skis, using the same basic idea as an air hockey table, or use magnetic levitation to reduce friction. Overcoming air resistance is one of the biggest uses of energy in high speed travel. The pod would get its initial velocity from an external linear electric motor, which would accelerate it to ‘high subsonic velocity’ and then give it a boost every 70 miles or so; in between, the pod would coast along in near vacuum.
Pic credits: http://hyperloopindia-hyperloop-india.193b.starter-ca-central-1.openshiftapps.com/assets/img/whatsNext.png
Benefits:
- Supporters argue that Hyperloop could be cheaper and faster than trains and car travel, and cheaper and less polluting than air travel.
- It’s also potentially two or three times faster than even high-speed rail (and ten times the speed of regular rail services).
- They claim that it is quicker and cheaper to build than traditional high-speed rail; as such, Hyperloop could take the pressure off gridlocked roads, making travel between cities easier and potentially unlocking major economic benefits as a result.
- Being cheaper to build should mean these services can become profitable quickly.
Challenges:
- Plenty of engineering challenges need to be tackled which could push the costs up. Like building the tubes strong enough to deal with the stresses of carrying the high-speed pods, finding energy and cost efficient ways to keep them operating at low pressure.
- Lots of pods will be required to achieve the same passenger numbers as more traditional rail which uses much bigger carriages.
- How these services will be funded in the first place is not clear. These services can be financed through a combination of public and private investment.
In India: The two MoU for a feasibility study of two routes in India, Pune-Mumbai by Virgin Hyperloop One and Amaravati- Vijayawada by Hyperloop Transportation Technologies have been signed by the respective state governments.
Need in India:
Time and again whenever India indulges in an advanced project it faces criticism. Reasons being-
- Financial status- Given the level of poverty, hunger, condition of health facilities and education system it is said that investing huge amounts in advanced technology is a wastage.
- Also given the condition of urban transport systems like metro , city buses and local trains the need of the hour should be improving them rather than investing in hyperloop.
Despite the challenges and criticisms, India should go for Hyperloop technology:
- ISRO and the Delhi Metro are proof that India can benefit, sustain and grow from such projects. Both were ridiculed initially and their utility was questioned yet now we can’t imagine life without them.
- In the Indian context, it can be used to transport goods/freight, especially ones which are perishable. Imagine, agricultural produce being shuttled/transported across states. It could eliminate the need for / dependence on cold storages partially, as produce would be transported very easily.
- The project will generate employment and also bring in regional equality.
Conclusion:
The technology is nascent as no hyperloop has actually been developed on a long distance. India has time to develop expertise in the field. Partnerships with companies like HTT and Virgin Hyperloop will help India decide as to how the technology can be cost effective. Also, meanwhile improving basic necessities like food, access to energy and house should be focused.
Best answer: John Nash
