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Indian Railways Builds First 3D-Printed Gangman Hut In Andhra Pradesh In Just 25 Days
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Speaking to News18, an official said that with 3D printing significantly reduced construction time and material waste, making it more environmentally friendly.
In a first for Indian Railways, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has completed the construction of a 3D-printed Gangman Hut at Parvatipuram station in Andhra Pradesh in just 25 days. This cutting-edge project marks the first-ever 3D-printed railway building in Indian Railways and Andhra Pradesh, the Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways announced on Thursday.
The 1,076 sq ft (100 sq m) hut serves as a shelter for track maintenance staff, called gangmen, providing them with rest space, tool storage, and a work base.
The station – located under the Waltair Division of the East Coast Railway Zone – falls under the ongoing Vizianagaram–Titlagarh third line project. This railway line aims to boost freight and passenger capacity, especially in light of growing industrial activity in the nearby regions.
'Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar construction, this Gangman Hut was created using a 3D concrete printer—a large robotic machine that prints structures layer by layer using specialised concrete materials. Advanced materials like Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) and Lightweight Concrete were used to enhance durability, reduce weight, and speed up the construction process," the statement added.
Speaking to News18, an official said that with 3D printing significantly reduced construction time and material waste, making it more environmentally friendly.
'3D printing allows advanced design capabilities by incorporating complex geometries, textured elevations, and wavy wall patterns that are difficult to achieve with traditional methods. The technology also allows a virtual 3D walkthrough for stakeholders to visualise the building before physical construction begins," they said, demanding anonymity.
Both natural and artificial lighting were strategically integrated to enhance functionality and ambiance.
This project will drastically change the way infrastructure is constructed in the nation by creating new opportunities for the widespread use of 3D printing in future station buildings, shelters, offices, and housing across Indian Railways and beyond, the RVNL added.
Speaking about the technology, Pradeep Gaur, Chairman and Managing Director RVNL, said this initiative could pave the way for broader adoption of 3D printing in low-cost, quick-build infrastructure projects across India.
'RVNL has successfully demonstrated this modern construction technology. It represents a major step in modernising construction practices and highlights RVNL's commitment to deploying cutting-edge technologies for developing modern infrastructure. Such technologies will, therefore, be key contributors to fast-track project execution ensuring sustainability and cost-effectiveness, as we develop a future-ready infrastructure," he said.
First Published:
June 27, 2025, 10:15 IST
