Virgin to build super-fast Hyperloop shuttle between Pune and Mumbai as India ramps up infrastructure spending

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Hyperloop One venture has announced a preliminary agreement with the Indian state of Maharashtra to build a super-fast rail network between the cities of Pune and Mumbai. “I believe Virgin Hyperloop One could have the same impact upon India in the 21st century as trains did in the 20th century,” said Sir Richard. “Virgin Hyperloop One can help India become a global transportation pioneer and forge a new world-changing industry.” open image in gallery The shuttle's proposed route Maharashtra’s chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said the Pune-Mumbai Hyperloop would serve as, “an economic catalyst for the region and create tens of thousands of jobs for India’s world-class manufacturing, construction, service and IT sectors”. “The state’s overall development in the past few years is a shining example of change thinking and improving conditions in the country … It is on its way to achieving its bold vision of a trillion dollar economy.” Mr Modi’s government is currently working to upgrade rail networks across India, investing 8.6 trillion rupees to improve public transport infrastructure and tackle the problem of bottlenecks hindering the development of vital commercial hubs.