Question : Maglev Transport Method

(a) whether introduction of Maglev transport method in the country for passengers and movement of goods is being considered by the Government and if so, the salient features thereof;
(b) whether the Government has conducted or proposes to conduct any study or preparing a detailed project report through the RITES in this regard;
(c) if so, the details and the outcome thereof or the present status thereof;
(d) whether the Government is aware that Maglev tech need 100% electrical efficiency and the current infrastructure cannot be utilized for the purpose and if so, the reaction of the Government thereon; and
(e) the manner by which the Government will be able to implement the project?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)
(a) Yes, Madam. Indian Railways (IR) have floated an Expression of Interest (EoI) for designing, building, commissioning, operation, running and maintenance of levitation based train system on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis. The salient features of the levitation based transportation system are as under:-
• It is planned to be built on either elevated columns or underground.
• Very high speeds can be achieved in such a ground based transport system.
• The Specially designed vehicle carrying passengers / goods shall float above track or ground magnets by using principle of magnet attraction / repulsion.
• Riding comfort of such vehicles is expected to be very good.
• The levitation based trains shall be powered by electricity.
(b) No, Madam.
(c) Does not arise.
(d) IR is aware that the current infrastructure cannot be utilized for levitation based transport system. IR’s initial thrust is on setting up a technology demonstration system of limited length to begin with. Thereafter it is planned to jointly develop and build a cost-effective solution of such a technology in collaboration with the chosen technology partner / partners. The responses of various Firms received against the Expression of Interest (EoI) are being studied/examined from various aspects which includes electrical requirement for the levitation based train system also.
(e) The project is envisaged to be implemented on PPP basis.

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