Simpliforge, IIT-H set benchmark with world’s highest on-site 3D Printed structure in Himalayan Range
Simpliforge Creations and IIT Hyderabad, in collaboration with Indian Army successfully delivered India’s first 3D printed protective military structure in Leh under Project PRABAL
Hyderabad: In a monumental leap for defense infrastructure and construction technology, Simpliforge Creations and IIT Hyderabad, in collaboration with Indian Army represented by Arun Krishnan (who is also a PhD student at IIT-Hyderabad), have successfully delivered India’s first on-site 3D printed protective military structure at a staggering altitude of 11,000 feet above sea level in Leh under Project PRABAL.
This marks the world’s highest-ever in-situ 3D construction printing feat, accomplished under the extreme high altitude and low oxygen (HALO) conditions, a press release said.
Under the guidance of Prof. K.V.L. Subramaniam of IIT-Hyderabad, Simpliforge Creations and IIT-Hyderabad Teams developed specialized 3D printing technology capable of operating under extreme environmental conditions. This innovation enabled the construction of a form-optimized protective bunker using locally sourced materials, completed over a total printing time of fourteen hours.
The PRABAL initiative showcases how homegrown technology and academic-industry collaboration can push the boundaries of construction science. The deployment of this 3D printed bunker is not only a first-of-its-kind in India but also sets the stage for rapid, on-site, deployable infrastructure in challenging terrains, further strengthening the country’s defense preparedness.
This groundbreaking project marks a convergence of engineering innovation, military utility, and the Make-in-India spirit—paving the way for future-forward infrastructure solutions.
Simpliforge Creations CEO Dhruv Gandhi said, “Executing this project in the high-altitude, low-oxygen environment of Ladakh was an immense operational challenge—for both our team and our machines.”
Prof. KVL Subramaniam said, “One of the most critical aspects of this project was the development of specially engineered materials tailored to perform in extreme environmental conditions.”
Arun Krishnan commented, “Several teams and companies had attempted to bring 3D printed construction to the high-altitude terrain of Leh, but the extreme conditions of Ladakh proved to be a formidable challenge. It was the unmatched synergy between Simpliforge Creations and IIT Hyderabad that finally made it possible.”
