Hyderabad-based Deeptech firm Simpliforge, in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad, has unveiled India’s first and largest 3D concrete printed Military Insignia Entrance Arch at the Jhansi Cantonment. Shaped in the commanding form of a tiger’s face, the structure symbolizes the bravery and spirit of the Indian Armed Forces.
Standing 5.7m wide, 3.2m deep and 5.4m high, the arch was constructed using Simpliforge’s robotic arm–based 3D concrete printing technology. The visually striking gateway leads into an indoor sports arena inside the cantonment, merging functional design with symbolic architecture. Conceived under the guidance of Colonel Akhil Singh Charak, the project’s development was jointly led by IIT Hyderabad’s Prof. K. V. L. Subramaniam and the Simpliforge team. Kolkata, known for its rapid adoption of smart construction technologies in recent years, has shown growing interest in defence-grade digital fabrication solutions. Industry observers believe that innovations like this Jhansi arch could influence upcoming eastern-region infrastructure projects, particularly where speed, durability, and design complexity are crucial.
Colonel Charak said the structure represents the ethos of the forces—“Naam, Namak, Nishan”—and reflects a forward-looking mindset within the Army. Prof. Subramaniam noted that the tiger façade demonstrates how 3D printing is pushing structural design beyond conventional limits, while Simpliforge Founder & COO Faizan Chaudhary highlighted the 45-day execution as a breakthrough in merging engineering precision with creativity. Project Duration: 45 days; Materials: locally developed 3DCP mortar; Technology Advisor: Prof. KVL Subramaniam; Structural Design Partner: Dr. Rangarao V.V.