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Indian Railways Unveils First 3D-Printed Building

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Published on: 4 Jul 2025

Indian Railways Unveils First 3D-Printed Building

Indian Railways has made history by completing its first 3D-printed building—a “Gangman Hut”—at Parvatipuram Railway Station in Andhra Pradesh. Built in just 25 days, this groundbreaking achievement signals a major leap toward faster, cost-effective, and eco-friendly infrastructure development.

What Is the Gangman Hut?

A Gangman Hut is a resting shelter for railway track maintenance staff, known as "gangmen." These structures are critical in providing workers a space to take breaks and store equipment while working on the tracks. The 3D-printed Gangman Hut at Parvatipuram is the first of its kind in the Indian Railways ecosystem.

Built in Record Time with 3D Concrete Printing

The construction was carried out by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways. Using 3D concrete printing technology, the hut was built in just 25 days—a fraction of the time traditional construction would take.

The structure spans approximately 100 square meters (1,076 square feet) and was printed using Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) and lightweight concrete. The technology allows for:

Faster construction with minimal human labor
Reduced material waste
Greater design flexibility
Lower environmental impact

A Step Toward Sustainable Infrastructure

This project aligns with India’s broader push toward green development and technological innovation. It supports major government missions such as:

PM Gati Shakti: A national master plan for multi-modal connectivity
Green India Mission: Promoting sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives

By adopting 3D printing technology, Indian Railways is not only speeding up its infrastructure projects but also significantly reducing carbon footprints and operational costs.

Future of 3D Printing in Railways

This successful implementation opens the door to more 3D-printed structures across the country. From office spaces and control rooms to restrooms and other utility buildings, Indian Railways is set to transform how it builds and maintains infrastructure.

Conclusion

The 3D-printed Gangman Hut at Parvatipuram is more than just a structure—it’s a symbol of Indian Railways’ commitment to innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. With this milestone, Indian Railways sets a new benchmark for infrastructure development, one that could revolutionize the future of construction in the public sector.

India | Andhra Pradesh | Parvathipuram

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What is the 3D-printed Gangman Hut built by Indian Railways?

The 3D-printed Gangman Hut is a resting shelter for railway track maintenance workers, also known as 'gangmen.' It was constructed using 3D concrete printing technology at Parvatipuram Railway Station in Andhra Pradesh and is the first of its kind in the Indian Railways system.

Where was the first 3D-printed Gangman Hut constructed?

The first 3D-printed Gangman Hut was constructed at Parvatipuram Railway Station in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.

How long did it take to build the 3D-printed Gangman Hut?

The construction of the 3D-printed Gangman Hut was completed in just 25 days, significantly faster than traditional construction methods.

Who built the 3D-printed Gangman Hut for Indian Railways?

The construction was carried out by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways.

What materials were used in the 3D-printed Gangman Hut?

The structure was printed using Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) and lightweight concrete, offering strength, speed, and environmental efficiency.

What is the size of the 3D-printed Gangman Hut?

The Gangman Hut spans approximately 100 square meters, which is about 1,076 square feet.

What are the benefits of using 3D concrete printing in construction?

3D concrete printing offers faster construction, reduced material waste, lower labor requirements, greater design flexibility, and reduced environmental impact.

Why is the 3D-printed Gangman Hut considered a milestone?

It represents a major innovation in railway infrastructure by demonstrating how 3D printing can be used to build structures more efficiently, sustainably, and cost-effectively.

How does the Gangman Hut project support sustainability?

By using 3D printing, the project reduces material waste and labor needs, contributing to lower carbon emissions and aligning with India’s green development goals.

Which government missions does the project align with?

The project supports the PM Gati Shakti initiative for multimodal connectivity and the Green India Mission, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly development.

What is PM Gati Shakti?

PM Gati Shakti is a national master plan launched by the Indian government to improve multi-modal connectivity and infrastructure development.

What is the Green India Mission?

The Green India Mission is a government initiative aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, including afforestation, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

What future applications does Indian Railways foresee for 3D printing?

Indian Railways plans to use 3D printing for various infrastructure projects including office spaces, control rooms, restrooms, and utility buildings across the country.

What is Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC)?

UHPC is a type of concrete known for its superior strength, durability, and ability to support intricate 3D-printed designs with minimal maintenance.

How does 3D printing reduce construction time?

3D printing automates the construction process, allowing structures to be built layer by layer with high precision and without the delays associated with traditional labor-intensive methods.

In-Depth Answers

Is the Gangman Hut eco-friendly?

Yes, the hut was built using eco-friendly methods that reduce material waste and carbon emissions, aligning with sustainable development practices.

What role does RVNL play in Indian Railways projects?

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is responsible for implementing and managing railway infrastructure projects, including the recent 3D-printed Gangman Hut.

How does 3D printing offer design flexibility in construction?

3D printing allows architects and engineers to create complex and customized shapes and structures that would be difficult or expensive to achieve using conventional methods.

Can 3D printing be used for large-scale infrastructure?

Yes, the success of the Gangman Hut demonstrates that 3D printing can be scaled up for larger infrastructure projects in the public and transportation sectors.

What does this project signal for the future of Indian Railways?

It indicates a shift toward adopting modern, sustainable, and efficient construction technologies, potentially revolutionizing railway infrastructure development in India.

How does this project affect operational costs for Indian Railways?

The use of 3D printing reduces construction time, labor, and materials, resulting in lower operational and maintenance costs for Indian Railways.

How does 3D printing impact the environment compared to traditional construction?

3D printing has a smaller environmental footprint due to reduced waste, less energy consumption, and the use of sustainable materials like lightweight concrete and UHPC.

What is the significance of this construction for public sector innovation?

It showcases how government entities like Indian Railways can leverage cutting-edge technology to modernize infrastructure and improve service delivery.

Could this technology be used for emergency shelters or disaster relief?

While the article doesn’t mention this directly, the fast construction and low-resource requirements of 3D printing suggest potential applications in emergency and disaster-relief scenarios.

Will more 3D-printed structures be built by Indian Railways?

Yes, the article mentions plans for future use of 3D printing in building offices, control rooms, restrooms, and other utility buildings across India.