Chennai: The CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC), a premier national laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, has transferred its innovative technology — “Portable Lightweight Foldable Module for Make-Shift Hospitals and Other Needs (PoliTal-M)” — to M/s Sehgal Doors Ltd., New Delhi, a member of Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB).

The technology transfer agreement was signed by Dr. N. Anandavalli, Director, CSIR-SERC, and Shri Neeraj Sehgal of Sehgal Doors Ltd. The development marks a major milestone in providing rapid, modular, and safe infrastructure solutions for emergency housing, healthcare, and other critical applications.

Leveraging CSIR-SERC's expertise in lightweight structural systems, PoliTal-M offers a highly stable and material-efficient design suitable for emergency shelters, remote facilities, and construction sites.

Each compact, transportable module — measuring 6.0 m x 3.0 m x 2.8 m — can be deployed within an hour by two to three workers using a crane. The foldable structure allows quick assembly, easy transport, and adaptability for multiple uses, including hospitals, housing, and sanitation units.

Modules can be linked or stacked for expanded capacity, with integrated electrical fittings and options for customized layouts, such as foldable tables or toilet cores.

The PoliTal-M technology reflects CSIR-SERC's commitment to innovation in structural engineering and its focus on enabling self-reliant, scalable solutions for disaster response, healthcare, and infrastructure development.