Japan builds 3D-printed station in just six hours
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Japan builds 3D-printed station in just six hours

In a pioneering move, West Japan Railway Company has introduced a 3D-printed train station in Arida city, reportedly the first of its kind in the world. The new Hatsushima station was assembled in less than six hours using prefabricated components manufactured off-site and transported over 800 kilometres to the location.

The new facility replaces an ageing wooden structure dating back to 1948. Since 2018, Hatsushima has functioned as an unmanned station, a common model for smaller stations across Japan. It serves approximately 530 passengers daily on a single-line route with limited train frequency.

The construction was executed by Serendix, a firm specialising in 3D-printed structures. The station’s components were produced at a facility in Kumamoto over seven days using a special mortar reinforced with concrete. Once transported, the modular parts were assembled overnight using a crane, with completion timed before the first train’s arrival at 5:45 am.

While final installations such as ticketing systems and card readers are still underway, the station is scheduled to open for public use in July. The new method significantly reduced both construction time and cost compared to traditional building techniques.

The initiative also addresses broader infrastructure challenges in Japan, where an ageing population and a shrinking workforce have increased the need for cost-effective, low-labour solutions, especially in rural areas.

[Source: The New York Times]
                               

In a pioneering move, West Japan Railway Company has introduced a 3D-printed train station in Arida city, reportedly the first of its kind in the world. The new Hatsushima station was assembled in less than six hours using prefabricated components manufactured off-site and transported over 800 kilometres to the location.The new facility replaces an ageing wooden structure dating back to 1948. Since 2018, Hatsushima has functioned as an unmanned station, a common model for smaller stations across Japan. It serves approximately 530 passengers daily on a single-line route with limited train frequency.The construction was executed by Serendix, a firm specialising in 3D-printed structures. The station’s components were produced at a facility in Kumamoto over seven days using a special mortar reinforced with concrete. Once transported, the modular parts were assembled overnight using a crane, with completion timed before the first train’s arrival at 5:45 am.While final installations such as ticketing systems and card readers are still underway, the station is scheduled to open for public use in July. The new method significantly reduced both construction time and cost compared to traditional building techniques.The initiative also addresses broader infrastructure challenges in Japan, where an ageing population and a shrinking workforce have increased the need for cost-effective, low-labour solutions, especially in rural areas.[Source: The New York Times]                               

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Paras Defence Subsidiary Wins Rs 460 Mn Anti-Drone Order

Paras Defence and Space Technologies (PDST) saw its shares rise 1.5 per cent to Rs 701 after its subsidiary, Paras Anti-Drone Technologies, secured a defence contract from the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, valued at approximately Rs 460.19 million.The order covers the supply of Anti-Drone Systems, including Drone Jammers, marking a significant milestone for Paras Anti-Drone in India’s growing counter-UAV segment. The contract is scheduled for execution by March 2026. According to official filings, the award is from a domestic entity, not a related party transaction, and no promot..

Next Story
Building Material

Jindal Stainless Launches First Stainless Steel Fabrication Unit in Mumbai

Jindal Stainless, India’s largest stainless steel manufacturer, through its subsidiary Jindal Stainless Steelway (JSSL), has inaugurated its first stainless steel fabrication unit at Washivali, Patalganga, Mumbai. The 4 lakh sq ft facility is designed to serve the bridge sector, fabricating critical components such as girders, arches, nuts, bolts, and handles. The unit was inaugurated by CEO & CFO Tarun Khulbe in the presence of senior leadership.Developed with an initial investment of Rs 1.25 billion, the facility strengthens Jindal Stainless’ position as a provider of end-to-end fabr..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Hero Future Energies Secures Rs 19.08 Bn for 120 MW Hybrid Project

Hero Future Energies (HFE), through its SPV Clean Renewable Energy Hybrid Three, has secured Rs 19,080 million in funding from State Bank of India (lead) and Canara Bank for the development of its 120 MW renewable energy (RE) hybrid project in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.The project, contracted with SJVN, integrates wind, solar, and storage technologies to provide reliable peak power. The funding, structured with a 21-year repayment tenure, will support timely project execution and the commencement of commercial operations.This financial closure underscores the banking community’s confidence in ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?