India Unveils Major Mobility Plan with Hyperloop, Ropeways, Electric buses and Green Transport

Key Highlights:

• Ropeways planned at 360 locations; work started on 60 sites.
• 25,000 km of highways to be upgraded; 100 km/day construction target.
• Hyperloop and pod taxis planned for Delhi, Bengaluru.
• Nagpur to pilot electric luxury bus with 120+ km/h speed.
• 11 automakers to build flex-fuel vehicles using ethanol and biofuels.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced a wide-ranging mobility transformation plan that aims to completely reshape India's transportation system. From futuristic hyperloop technology to electric rapid transport and ropeways, this plan targets both urban and remote areas to improve connectivity and cut environmental damage.

Ropeways and Cable Cars at 360 Locations

One of the key components of the plan is the rollout of ropeways, cable cars, and funicular railways in 360 locations across the country. Sites like Kedarnath are already seeing early progress, with 60 projects underway. The cost of each project ranges between ₹200 crore and ₹5,000 crore, signalling a strong push for alternative, terrain-friendly mobility solutions.

High-Speed Highway Upgrades and Mass Rapid Transport

Gadkari revealed that 25,000 km of two-lane highways will be converted into four-lane roads. At the same time, India will ramp up road construction to 100 km per day. The focus is also on creating electric mass rapid transport networks along major routes to reduce both travel time and logistics costs.

Pilot Projects: Hyperloop and Pod Taxis in the Works

Cities like Delhi and Bengaluru are set to witness pilot tests for new-age mobility options. These include:

• Hyperloop Systems: A high-speed, low-pressure tube transport solution.
• Metrino Pod Taxis: Compact, pillar-supported pods that reduce surface congestion.
• Pillar-Based Mass Rapid Transport: Elevated electric transport designed for dense cities.

Electric Bus Project Launches in Nagpur

An innovative electric bus pilot will be launched in Nagpur. These 135-seater buses are designed for long-distance travel, offer executive seating, AC, and premium interiors. They can reach speeds of 120–125 km/h and recharge in just 30–40 minutes. Gadkari said these buses are expected to cost 30% less to run than diesel ones, with significantly lower emissions.

Flex-Fuel Vehicles to Cut Fossil Fuel Use

Eleven major automakers, including Tata, Mahindra, Toyota, and Hyundai, have committed to producing flex-fuel engine vehicles. These vehicles can run on ethanol, methanol, biofuels, or traditional fuels. This shift is aimed at reducing dependency on fuel imports and lowering overall emissions.

Focus on Reducing Pollution and Logistics Costs

Gadkari stressed that the transport sector is responsible for 40% of India's air pollution. The new mobility initiatives are expected to lower emissions and reduce the country’s fuel import bill, which currently stands at ₹22 trillion annually. With better roads and infrastructure, the government hopes to bring down logistics costs from 14% of GDP to just 9% by year-end.

Extra Measures for Safer and Greener Travel

The Ministry is also enhancing road safety and environmental efforts:

• 670 roadside amenities will be built across highways.
• AI-based tools, including drones and cameras, will monitor road safety.
• Tree planting drive: Around 20–25 crore trees will be planted along national highways, and a tree bank system is being developed with the Environment Ministry.

Vision for the Future

Gadkari confidently stated that within a year, Indian highways will match U.S. road standards. He added that cities will soon have cable-run buses and electric mass transit systems. This transformative plan sets the stage for a cleaner, faster, and smarter transport network for India’s future.

Also Read: Nitin Gadkari Urges Reduction in Diesel Use in CE

CMV360 Says

This is one of India’s most forward-looking and well-rounded transport plans yet. By using futuristic technologies like the hyperloop with practical upgrades in road and electric bus infrastructure, the government is aiming for both ambition and accessibility. It’s promising to see attention given not just to cities but also to difficult terrains. The plan’s focus on cost reduction, pollution control, and modern mass mobility shows a clear shift toward long-term sustainability. Execution will be key, but the roadmap is visionary and much needed.