Deendayal Port Authority Adopts LIM Cargo Transportation System, Maglev in Development

The Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla, has successfully tested an advanced cargo transportation system based on Linear Induction Motor (LIM) technology. The technology was developed by TuTr Hyperloop, a startup incubated at IIT Madras. The Kandla port authority is calling this a step along the way to developing a magnetic levitation-based system for moving cargo around the facility. A technology demonstration is now set to take place, following which the system could be rolled out to multiple other ports and similar facilities across India, and then potentially be scaled globally. This is a first for the port sector in India, using indigenous technology.

DPA Kandla has called the LIM demonstration a success, and says it validates India’s ability to "design, develop and deploy high-performance electromagnetic propulsion systems tailored for port logistics and industrial mobility". Maglev technology is seen as the goal as it is contactless, low-maintenance, and high-efficiency for the use case of cargo movement.

TuTr Hyperloop and DPA, Kandla have together undertaken the task of transforming the technology of the port sector, in line with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat campaigns for self-sufficiency and development to promote global competitiveness.

In a press statement, Dr Aravind S. Bharadwaj, Co-Founder, TuTr Hyperloop, said "The successful demonstration of linear induction motor technology at Deendayal Port is a proud moment for Indian deep-tech innovation. Moving ahead with a magnetic levitation demonstration is a natural progression in our roadmap to build world-class, indigenous mobility solutions for ports and logistics."

Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla, is a major port for maritime trade and logistics on the west coast of India. On January 18, it announced that it has handled 125 million tonnes of cargo so far in FY 2025-26, making it the fastest ever to do so among all major ports in India. TuTr Hyperloop focuses on the indigenous development of next-generation electromagnetic transportation technology and boasts of active government-backed projects across ports, logistics, and urban rail in India.