Tue Feb 25 11:17:21 UTC 2025: ## Railway Minister Announces Joint Railways-IIT Madras Project on Vertical Take-Off and Landing Vehicles
**New Delhi, February 25, 2025** – Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a collaborative project between Indian Railways and IIT-Madras to develop Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) vehicle technology. The initiative, funded by the railways, was revealed during the virtual closing ceremony of Asia’s first Global Hyperloop Competition 2025, held at IIT-Madras.
Mr. Vaishnaw emphasized the Modi government’s commitment to innovation, highlighting the successful partnership between the ministry and educational institutions. He cited IIT-Madras’s advancements in 5G technology and India’s rapid 5G rollout as examples of this success.
The minister stated that the VTOL project represents a significant step towards modernizing transportation. A video showcasing India’s first 422-meter Hyperloop test track at IIT-Madras was also presented, further underscoring the strong collaboration between the railways and the education sector in driving technological innovation. The joint venture aims to position India at the forefront of global advancements in cutting-edge travel technologies.
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