In a huge step forward for defence and construction technology, IIT Hyderabad and the Indian Army, in collaboration with Simpliforge Creations, successfully constructed the world’s tallest 3d-printed bunker at 11,000 feet near Leh, Ladakh. The revolutionary military building, part of Project PRABAL, was built with specialised technology suited for high-altitude, low-oxygen (HALO) conditions.
The team, led by Prof. K V L Subramaniam, created a robotic printer system that took less than 24 hours to set up and 14 hours to print. The structure was built with locally obtained materials, assuring sustainability and adaptation to adverse weather.
The achievement of this project signals an important turning point in quick, deployable infrastructure for defence forces working in harsh terrains. Simpliforge CEO Dhruv Gandhi emphasised operational problems such as limited oxygen affecting machines and material quality, despite the structure being completed in just five days.
Prof. Subramaniam emphasised the importance of material engineering, as the concrete mix was specifically engineered to survive extreme UV exposure, low humidity, and significant heat fluctuations.
Arun Krishnan of the Indian Army emphasised the collaboration’s unparalleled synergy, while Simpliforge’s MD, Hari Krishna Jeedipalli, hinted at potential possibilities, including extraterrestrial colonies.
