The futuristic Hyperloop train, which would run at high speed in low-pressure tubes, took a first step in China with the signing of an agreement for a 10 km experimental line.
The concept consists in floating, by magnetic levitation, capsules in tubes at low pressure, to allow them to evolve at a speed of 1,200 km/h.
Similar projects have already been signed in several countries and a capsule is due to be launched in Toulouse (south-west France).
HyperloopTT did not provide any details on the project signed in China. The locations it is to serve have also not been specified.
The financing must come from a public-private partnership, while the city of Tongren would provide half of the budget.
According to local media, the municipality and the company would invest equally in the project.
« We have been looking for the right partner to work in China in recent years and we now have a network of relationships that will enable us to implement the system, » said HyperloopTT’s CEO.
The project is not the only one of its kind in China: last year, the public aerospace group Casic also launched a similar concept in the city of Wuhan (centre).