Hyperloop to Commence Operations in 2023?

The commercial operations of a super high-speed hyperloop transportation in the UAE’s capital is likely to be realized by 2023. The trial runs are expected to begin soon, according to Bibop Gresta, Chairman of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT). With tubes assembled and pumps installed, HyperloopTT will begin the process of integrating their full-scale passenger capsule for passenger trials. The commercial project connects Abu Dhabi with Dubai and Al Ain.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, HyperloopTT demonstrated in June 2020 its transportation mechanism at its research facilities in Toulouse, France. The company showed the world’s first completed full-scale track system as it is undergoing optimization and integration prior to the construction of the commercial system in Abu Dhabi.

With around 150 kilometres of the hyperloop system among Al Ain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the cost of the project is estimated at USD40 million per km, and overall costs of the UAE’s project would be around USD6 billion.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperloop

 

Hyperloop transportation may look like a huge investment. But it would take 15 minutes to cover the distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi at the maximum speed of 1,123km/hour. The distance between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is 150km. Hyperloop is sustainable and cost-effective in the long-term despite being a capital-intensive project.

Hyperloop systems are cheap to maintain and with the help of a new business model where services are integrated to create value, capital and operational expenditures can be diminished, according to Gresta.

“We will bring down the energy costs through the efficient application of solar panels and will offer premium services. The hyperloop transport will be accessible for all, but there will be premium services akin to Amazon Prime where a customer pays a little extra for additional services,” Gresta added.

According to Gresta, HyperloopTT  is adopting crowd funding and collaborative models to build the best technology infrastructure with sustainability and green energy being an integral part, as well as providing ancillary services such as in-house entertainment to enhance the hyperloop experience.

What about Malaysia? 12 other countries are considering the system. It costs lower than the High Speed Rail proposed by many, and travels approximately 3 times faster. It is perhaps an option worthy of consideration.

 

References:

1. Hyperloop commercial operations in UAE set to begin in 2023, Syed Atique Naqvi, ZAWYA

2. Dubai to Abu Dhabi Hyperloop will cost up to AED 22-billion, 20 Jan 2019, www.logisticsmiddleeast.com