The Indian Army has taken another stride in defence infrastructure modernisation with the operational deployment of on-site 3D concrete printing technology by the Trishakti Corps in Sikkim and adjoining forward areas.
According to the Indian Army, the capability has been developed in collaboration with IIT-Hyderabad under Project PRABAL (Portable Robotic Printer for Printing Bunkers and Accessories) and marks a powerful advancement in rapid, sustainable and mission-ready construction along the northern borders.
The indigenous robotic 3D concrete printer, mounted on a vehicle for high mobility, features a robotic arm, circular mixer, piston pump and on-board generator allowing seamless deployment across rugged mountainous terrain. Designed specifically for forward area operations, the system enables swift construction of bunkers, sentry posts and protective structures, dramatically reducing timelines and troop effort.
Importantly, all 3D-printed structures have undergone live ballistic trials, confirming their structural strength, durability and protective performance in real-world combat scenarios.
The 3D concrete printing provides major operational advantages, including customised designs, enhanced blast and ballistic resistance, higher compressive strength, improved quality control, efficient use of local materials and rapid construction in tactically acceptable timelines. It also supports terrain-specific designs and advanced camouflage needs.
This technology strengthens engineering agility and offers the Army a decisive capability to construct infrastructure faster, safer and with greater precision in difficult operational environments.
The continued induction of such cutting-edge, indigenous technologies is a major leap in enhancing the Indian Army’s operational readiness and engineering resilience, especially in forward, high-altitude regions where infrastructure development is both critical and challenging, the Army said.