New Delhi: IIT Madras is hosting the Global Hyperloop Competition (GHC) 2025 from February 21st to 25th, 2025, at its Discovery Campus in Thaiyur. Two hundred students from ten teams across India are competing to showcase hyperloop technology, the fifth mode of transportation.

The competition features various challenges, including pod demonstrations, design presentations, and case studies.
Ten teams, comprising 200 students from both established and newly formed groups, are participating in GHC 2025. The event is also being attended by 150 industry delegates from the mobility, research, and hyperloop sectors worldwide.


Hyperloop technology

Hyperloop technology involves a high-speed train traveling in a near-vacuum tube, potentially reaching speeds exceeding 1000 km/h. Elon Musk introduced the concept in 2013. GHC 2025 aims to position India as a center for hyperloop innovation.

Pankaj Sharma, Principal Executive Director, Railway Board, said, “This event is not only a celebration of innovation but also a testament of how India is emerging as a leader in transportation technology.”

Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, added, “Days are not far off when our country will realise very fast hyperloop connectivity between important destinations across our nation.”

The competition utilises IIT Madras's specialised hyperloop test infrastructure, a 422-meter test tube and track built with support from Indian Railways, ArcelorMittal, L&T, and HindalCo. This infrastructure highlights India's growing influence in the hyperloop field.

Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, Faculty Advisor, Hyperloop IIT Madras, said, “The Global Hyperloop Competition 2025 is a testament to India's growing leadership in hyperloop innovation. By bringing together young innovators, industry leaders, and researchers, we are fostering a collaborative ecosystem that will accelerate the future of ultra-fast, sustainable mobility. IIT Madras is proud to be at the center of this transformation.”

GHC 2025 comprises three main categories: Pod Demonstration (showcasing working hyperloop pod prototypes), Hyperloop InnoQuest (a case study challenge exploring hyperloop technology and implementation), and DesignX (a platform for teams to present innovative hyperloop designs).