World first hyperloop to cost up to USD 40 million per km
Khaleej Times reported that the world's first commercial hyperloop system, which is set to open in Abu Dhabi in 2020, will cost "between USD 20 million to USD 40 million per kilometre.” Mr Bibop Gresta, Chairman of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies in an exclusive interview with the Emirates News Agency, WAM announced that Abu Dhabi's Hyperloop capsule has left the assembly facility in Spain to Toulouse, France, where it will be tested and optimised, adding that this first-of-its kind project in the world "can recoup the investment in 8 to 15 years".
The first phase of the project involves construction of 10km out of a 150km system between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and is set to be ready next year.
In April 2018, HyperloopTT signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Abu Dhabi's Aldar Properties, which, when executed, will allow for the creation of a new Hyperloop TT centre including, a full scale commercial Hyperloop system, an Hyperloop R&D Advanced Mobility Centre, a Demonstration & Visitor Centre, and an Innovation Hub.
The proposed HTT site within Aldar's Seih Al Sderieh landbank is also conveniently located on the border of the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, close to the Expo 2020 site and Al Maktoum International Airport. Mr Gresta said that "It was a far-fetched dream, but we are all excited now that it's a dream coming true in the UAE in 2020. Basically, the Abu Dhabi Hyperloop system is right now past the feasibility study. We have already completed the study after we partnered with Aldar Properties last year. It will be the first commercial Hyperloop line in the world."
Mr Gresta said that "Today we're announcing that the capsule has already left the assembly facility in Spain, and is on its way to Toulouse, France, where we have a prototype track. As soon as it arrives in Toulouse, it will be put in a tube and then they will test the system with the first passenger."
He added that "The capsule will be assembled and optimised in Toulouse, prior to use in the Emirates with the goal of eventually connecting Abu Dhabi to Al Ain and Dubai at unprecedented speeds, safely, efficiently, and sustainably.”
The cutting-edge technology uses electro-magnetic levitation engineering to carry pods at 1,123 km/h. In other words, it is expected to reduce travel times between the emirates from hours to minutes.
Mr Gresta added that "Hyperloop can quickly become profitable. It presents the ability to build a mass transit system that would not require government subsidies.”
Source : Khaleej Times