Is India ready for digital construction?

01 Feb 2019 CW Team

3D printing construction has the potential of being among the mainstream construction technologies in India in a decade’s time. IIT Madras expects Indians to positively accept 3D printed structures, as these can have identical, if not better, quality compared to conventionally built buildings. The technology will start seeing viable use in three to four years, where large-scale construction can be made possible using 3D printing.

The Indian construction industry already recognises 3D printing as an important technology for the future. Among other countries, the Chinese construction industry has been a frontrunner in large-scale construction using 3D printing. Groups in the Netherlands and the US have also successfully constructed full-scale small structures. Indian industry, too, with the right support from the Government, can easily catch up with the rest of the world in a timeframe of one to two years.

Cost and availability
The technology needs the availability of concrete 3D printers, which are not easily available in India. The only manufacturer in the country so far is Tvasta, the research partner of IIT Madras. The other option is to import 3D printers, which is an expensive proposition.

At present, the construction cost of 3D printing would be higher than conventional construction, particularly as IIT Madras is in the R&D process and the materials and printers are produced only in batch quantities. However, in the next few years, once the benefits of economics of scale are used, IIT Madras is looking at making this process competitive with conventional construction.

- SERAPHINA D’SOUZA

The faculty and alumni of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have developed India's first 3D printing construction technology. Start-up firm Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions and the Civil Engineering Department of IIT Madras have established a unique 3D printing laboratory to formulate technological solutions for construction and take this technology to the mass market. Manu Santhanam, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, shares more... 3D printing construction has the potential of being among the mainstream construction technologies in India in a decade’s time. IIT Madras expects Indians to positively accept 3D printed structures, as these can have identical, if not better, quality compared to conventionally built buildings. The technology will start seeing viable use in three to four years, where large-scale construction can be made possible using 3D printing. The Indian construction industry already recognises 3D printing as an important technology for the future. Among other countries, the Chinese construction industry has been a frontrunner in large-scale construction using 3D printing. Groups in the Netherlands and the US have also successfully constructed full-scale small structures. Indian industry, too, with the right support from the Government, can easily catch up with the rest of the world in a timeframe of one to two years. Cost and availability The technology needs the availability of concrete 3D printers, which are not easily available in India. The only manufacturer in the country so far is Tvasta, the research partner of IIT Madras. The other option is to import 3D printers, which is an expensive proposition. At present, the construction cost of 3D printing would be higher than conventional construction, particularly as IIT Madras is in the R&D process and the materials and printers are produced only in batch quantities. However, in the next few years, once the benefits of economics of scale are used, IIT Madras is looking at making this process competitive with conventional construction. - SERAPHINA D’SOUZA

Real Estate

08 May 2026

Integrated Waterproofing Strategies

Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”Watertight by designAluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group,..

Infrastructure Urban

08 May 2026

GROHE Showcases Water-Led Design At Milan

GROHE unveiled its GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into an immersive showcase of water, design and wellbeing. Built on the philosophy of ‘Wellbeing Through Water’, the installation reimagined bathrooms as holistic spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care.The Aqua Sanctuary was presented through three interconnected sanctums. The first showcased the 3D-printed GROHE SPA AquaTree shower and faucet, highlighting bespoke innovation and biophilic design. The second featured the Atrio Private Collection and GROHE SPA x Buster..

Infrastructure Transport

08 May 2026

Rahee Group Expands Rail Manufacturing Capacity

Rahee Group has outlined a multi-year investment roadmap to expand its operational footprint and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for India’s growing railway and urban transit sector. The Group is expanding in Odisha with a new Track Component Casting Unit, for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on 8 April 2026 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.The Group’s flagship EPC arm, Rahee Infratech Ltd, continues to focus on complex rail infrastructure projects, including track systems, bridges, viaducts and ballastless infrastructure. Its wholly owned subsidi..