Question: Which of the following has formed high-level panel to explore Virgin Hyperloop technology for ultrahigh speed travel in India?
a) DRDO
b) Indian Railways
c) NITI Aayog
d) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Answer: (c)
Related Facts:-
- Central Government is now started exploring opportunity to introduce Virgin Hyperloop technology for ultrahigh speed travel in India.
- Government think-tank NITI Aayog has formed a high-level panel for this purpose.
- The panel will explore the technological and commercial viability of the Virgin Hyperloop technology for ultrahigh speed travel in the country.
- The committee has NITI Aayog member VK Saraswat as its Chairman and Adviser (Infrastructure Connectivity, NITI Aayog) Sudhendu Jyoti Sinha as its convener.
- The Indian government taken the initiative in this regard weeks after its first test was completed with humans on board in Las Vegas, USA.
- It should be known that The Virgin Hyperloop test run was conducted on a 500-meter track in Las Vegas in the USA with a pod.
- The pod, as the Hyperloop vehicles are called, travelled with passengers, including an Indian, inside an enclosed tube at more than 100 mph or 161 kmph.
- A NITI Aayog document in this regard stated that in view of the emerging transport technology and for gaining the first-mover advantage, it is essential to look into the technological and commercial viability of the Virgin Hyperloop technology.
- NITI Aayog document says It is relevant to explore technological, commercial, financial (viability) and (assess) safety standards and regulations to procure new technology.
- Its other members are Railway Board Chairman & CEO VK Yadav, the secretaries of the ministries of Housing and Urban Affairs, Road Transport and Highways, and the Maharashtra government’s Transport Secretary.
- The DRDO’s Chairman, the Delhi Metro’s Managing Director, the IIT-Delhi Director and the Chairman (Technology Information) of the forecasting and assessment council are also its members.
- The document says Six months time has been given about the mandate of the committee, from its first meeting.
- Within this period the panel has to study Virgin Hyperloop technology and its commercial viability, (and) safety, regulation and finalize the document.
- The committee may also invite domain experts and representatives from various organisations to its meetings as it may deem fit, the document says.
By – Rajesh Tripathi