A network of 700mph hyperloop trains could revolutionise how Bits travel across the UK, according to a report published by the Department for Transport.

Government advisers urged ministers to track the development of the “transformative” system, in light of its potential to “stimulate economic development […] by substantially reducing journey times”.

Journeys between “most UK destinations” would take less than an hour via hyperloop trains, the advisers noted. But they added that an operational system is “likely to be at least a couple of decades away”.

The network of pods and low-pressure magnetic tubes was conceived in 2012 by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who published his blueprints and challenged the engineering community to make them a reality.

It has since attracted a number of high profile investors including Virgin CEO Richard Branson, who bought an undisclosed stake in US engineering firm Hyperloop One in October.

The LA-based company became the first to test a full-scale prototype on its “DevLoop” in Las Vegas in May. Branson claims its system could shuttle passengers from London to Scotland in 45 minutes.