Bamboo-based composites to revolutionize high-altitude bunker construction

Guwahati, Feb 4: In an alliance blending tradition with cutting-edge technology, the Indian Army has joined forces with IIT Guwahati to revolutionize defence infrastructure in high-altitude regions.

The partnership aims to develop and field-test epoxy bamboo-based composites, a novel construction material poised to replace conventional building materials for bunkers.

These innovative composites are engineered by reinforcing bamboo—known for its remarkable tensile strength—with epoxy resin, a tough polymer that binds the bamboo fibers and provides structural rigidity and weather resistance. The result is a lightweight, eco-friendly material with impressive durability and protection, making it ideal for deployment in remote and challenging terrains.

What makes this development crucial is the weight advantage. Traditional materials like concrete and steel pose logistical hurdles in high-altitude regions where transporting supplies is a herculean task. By adopting epoxy bamboo-based panels, defence units can significantly reduce the effort and time required for construction, enabling rapid bunker assembly and enhanced operational efficiency.

To prove their mettle, these composites will face field trials, including small arms fire and exposure to an entire weather cycle, testing their resilience under combat-like conditions.

Bamboo-based composites to revolutionize high-altitude bunker construction

The MoU signing ceremony, attended by Maj Gen Rohin Bawa, GOC of the Red Horns Division, and Prof Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, marked a pivotal moment for India’s evolving defence innovation landscape. “Collaborations like these embody the whole-of-nation approach, where academia, industry, and start-ups come together to solve national challenges,” said Maj Gen Bawa, emphasizing the Army’s commitment to integrating niche technologies.

By turning bamboo—often seen as humble yet versatile—into a material of national significance, the project resonates with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and underscores India’s determination to harness homegrown innovation for strategic defence needs.

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