India inaugurated its first 3D-printed post office using a robotic printer in Cambridge Layout, Bengaluru, on Friday.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who holds the Railways, Communications, Electronics, and IT portfolios, inaugurated India’s first Post Office constructed using 3D-printing technology.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded and called India’s first 3D-printed Post Office at Cambridge Layout, Bengaluru, a testament to our nation’s innovation and progress.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister said, “Every Indian would be proud to see India’s first 3D printed Post Office at Cambridge Layout, Bengaluru. A testament to our nation’s innovation and progress, it also embodies the spirit of a self-reliant India. Compliments to those who have worked hard in ensuring the Post Office’s completion.”

Officials said the 3D-printed post office with a built-up area of 1,021 square feet involved a process requiring a delicate balance of concrete properties, including flowability, quick hardening for load-bearing capacity, and sufficient strength to ensure successful printing.

According to postal officials, the building was constructed by construction company Larsen & Toubro Limited, while IIT Madras provided technical guidance.

The entire construction activity finished within a period of 45 days as compared to about six to eight months taken by the conventional method.

Cost and time savings make 3D-concrete printing technology a viable alternative to conventional building practices, the officials said.

The office will be functional following the inauguration, a Department of Posts official added. (with inputs from agency)