In a landmark achievement for India’s defence infrastructure and digital construction capabilities, Hyderabad-based deeptech company Simpliforge, in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad, has unveiled the country’s first and largest 3D concrete-printed Military Insignia Entrance Arch in Jhansi Cantonment.
Shaped in the commanding form of a tiger’s face, the structure symbolises the strength, courage and fearless spirit of the Indian Armed Forces. Standing at 5.7m x 3.2m x 5.4m, the arch has been constructed using Simpliforge’s robotic arm–based 3D concrete printing system—marking a technological milestone for defence-focused and large-scale construction in India.
The Tiger insignia arch forms the entrance to a newly developed indoor sports arena in the cantonment, merging functional infrastructure with symbolic military architecture.
The project was conceptualised under the guidance of Colonel Akhil Singh Charak, with structural development and design led by Prof. K. V. L. Subramaniam (HAG) at IIT Hyderabad along with the Simpliforge engineering team.
Colonel Akhil Singh Charak said the structure represents the deeper ethos of the armed forces. “This entrance is more than just a structure—it represents the ethos of our forces: ‘Naam, Namak, Nishan.’ What began as a bold vision has now taken physical form. This entrance reflects our legacy, our pride, and the forward-looking mindset of the Indian Army. I appreciate the vital contributions of IIT Hyderabad and Simpliforge in advancing the use of 3D printing technology and demonstrating its potential in redefining military infrastructure.”
Prof. K. V. L. Subramaniam highlighted the design and engineering innovations behind the complex build. “The Tiger façade showcases how advanced 3D concrete printing technology allows us to rethink structural design beyond conventional limitations. By leveraging locally available materials and developing a printable mix, we produced a complex, organic geometry that blends engineering precision with architectural expression. This project reflects the evolving synergy between material science, structural innovation and digital fabrication.”
Simpliforge co-founder and COO Faizan Chaudhary said the team felt the emotional significance of the project from the outset. “It wasn’t just another building, it was a chance to contribute to a legacy. Seeing the tiger emerge layer by layer in a record 45 days was surreal. We’re on a mission to reimagine construction through 3D printing, and this structure exemplifies what we aim to deliver—futuristic, meaningful and technically superior work.”
The Jhansi Cantonment arch stands as a first-of-its-kind fusion of defence symbolism and cutting-edge construction technology, signalling India’s growing leadership in digital fabrication and indigenous defence infrastructure innovation.
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