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.
