{"id":38595,"date":"2025-09-15T11:07:40","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T05:37:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homesbuildings.com\/?p=38595"},"modified":"2025-09-15T11:07:40","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T05:37:40","slug":"the-next-mumbai-taller-smarter-built-to-live-better-full-article","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/?p=38595","title":{"rendered":"THE NEXT MUMBAI :TALLER, SMARTER, BUILT TO LIVE BETTER : Manan Shah"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe class=\"fp-iframe\" style=\"border: 1px solid lightgray; width: 100%; height: 600px;\" src=\"https:\/\/heyzine.com\/flip-book\/e12c0b7155.html\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"125\" data-end=\"381\">MICL has a strong legacy in Mumbai\u2019s construction and infrastructure ecosystem, yet real estate development was not the company\u2019s starting point. Over three generations, each leader has left a distinct imprint, shaping the business into what it is today.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"383\" data-end=\"744\">The journey of MICL spans six decades and three distinct phases of growth, all bound by a shared DNA \u2014 excellence in construction. The story began in 1964 when Man Infra Construction Limited was founded as a civil contracting company. During this initial phase, the focus was on building for others \u2014 executing complex projects with precision and reliability.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"746\" data-end=\"1497\">The second phase emerged in the early 1990s when the founder\u2019s son joined the business and ventured into a completely new frontier: port infrastructure. One of his most significant achievements was executing India\u2019s first private port project in 1996 in collaboration with P&amp;O Ports at JNPT in Nhava Sheva. This project was not only a technical milestone but also a statement that private players could successfully deliver world-class maritime infrastructure in India. Building on this, MICL developed a robust portfolio of over eight private port projects across the country \u2014 from Cochin and Dighi to Vallarpadam, including multiple expansions at Nhava Sheva. This phase firmly established MICL as a specialist in mission-critical infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1499\" data-end=\"2094\">The third phase began in 2013 when the current leadership joined the business and spearheaded the company\u2019s entry into full-fledged real estate development. Today, MICL focuses on high-end residential projects in India, while the international real estate vertical is led from the global headquarters in Miami. Together, the team is taking Indian construction expertise global. Despite this new focus, MICL\u2019s infrastructure legacy continues, with ongoing execution of Asia\u2019s largest port for the Port of Singapore at Nhava Sheva \u2014 a project that symbolizes a full-circle moment for the family.<br \/>\n<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-39015\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img1414.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"508\" height=\"339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img1414.jpg 325w, https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img1414-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 100vw, 508px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"128\" data-end=\"343\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38899 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img674.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"230\" height=\"446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img674.jpg 230w, https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img674-155x300.jpg 155w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 230px) 100vw, 230px\" \/>Q When you entered the business, you could have stayed within infrastructure. Yet you chose to venture into real estate \u2014 a sector with its own risks and complexities. What triggered that shift for you personally?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"345\" data-end=\"1553\">It began with a very personal moment during my school days. My father would drive me around Mumbai, pointing out buildings he had built. But our company\u2019s name was never on them. As contractors, we were the unseen hands \u2014 the developer\u2019s name went on the board. I remember telling him, half-jokingly at the time: \u201cIf I ever build something, my name will be on it \u2014 or I\u2019m not doing it at all.\u201d That planted the seed. By the time I joined in 2013, I knew I wanted to be on the other side of the equation \u2014 the side that not only builds but also envisions, brands, and owns the final product. I started small, exploring land parcels in and around Bhandup, which is our family\u2019s home turf in Mumbai\u2019s central suburbs. Our first project, Aaradhya Atal, marked the formal transition from civil contracting and port infrastructure into integrated real estate development. From the outset, we decided MICL would be fully self-reliant \u2014 every inch of construction handled in-house, ensuring the same quality control and accountability that defined our contracting days. For me, it was about taking that legacy of execution and marrying it with creativity and ownership. That\u2019s when MICL Real Estate was truly born.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1555\" data-end=\"1730\">Q You\u2019ve often been in the news for developing what\u2019s being called India\u2019s tallest tower. Beyond the engineering feat, what\u2019s the larger vision you have for these buildings?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1732\" data-end=\"2547\">Yes, we are currently constructing a tower that will stand over 300 metres tall \u2014 the first structure of any kind in India to cross that height. What excites me even more is that two additional towers we\u2019re working on will also surpass the 300-metre mark. To the best of my knowledge, I will be the only Indian to have constructed three such supertall towers, all in Mumbai \u2014 one at Marine Lines and two in Tardeo. But for me, height is just one dimension of ambition. The true measure is the lifestyle we\u2019re creating within these structures. More than the prestige of a 400007 pin code, what we\u2019re offering is a healthier, more enriching way of living. Our tagline, \u201cLive Better,\u201d reflects that philosophy. You may already be living well, but when you move into an MICL home, we aim to help you live even better.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2549\" data-end=\"3911\">At our Tardeo project, for example, we\u2019ve redesigned the resident\u2019s journey. Typically, someone comes home from work, parks their car, takes the lift, and goes straight to their apartment. We\u2019ve changed that flow. Instead, you first pass through a beautifully designed club space \u2014 an intentional pause that allows you to decompress before stepping into your home. One highlight of this experience is our world-first \u201cescape room\u201d \u2014 a unique fusion of wellness, technology, and immersive design. The space is infused with purified oxygen through advanced HVAC systems and oxygen cylinders, addressing Mumbai\u2019s consistently poor air quality, where even the cleanest days see AQI levels above 150 (when the ideal is below 20). Most people don\u2019t realise how much constant fatigue, stress, or low energy comes from simply not breathing clean air. In the escape room, you press a button \u2014 perhaps selecting \u201cNorthern Lights\u201d \u2014 and the entire environment transforms. The ceiling becomes a sky awash with aurora-like visuals, the temperature drops, a gentle breeze flows through, and specific aromas fill the air. Within moments, you could be in Scandinavia. It\u2019s a multi-sensory environment designed to restore your mind and body, and an example of what I mean when I say we\u2019re not just building homes \u2014 we\u2019re crafting experiences that truly help people live better.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3913\" data-end=\"4143\">Q You\u2019ve also introduced the concept of the \u201czero gravity position\u201d into your wellness amenities \u2014 something that sounds more like aerospace engineering than residential design. How does it work, and what benefits does it offer?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4145\" data-end=\"5365\">Most people have never truly experienced a zero gravity position, yet it\u2019s one of the most restorative postures for the human body. Your head and feet are aligned, but your midsection \u2014 particularly your stomach \u2014 is elevated at about a 45-degree angle. You\u2019re not lying flat, and you\u2019re not sitting upright. What this does is redistribute your body weight in a way that reduces gravitational strain by almost 50%. You feel lighter, almost as if you\u2019re floating. Muscles relax, blood circulation improves, and your mind slips into a deeply relaxed state. We\u2019ve engineered ergonomic chairs that recreate this position in our wellness zones. It\u2019s not just about seating \u2014 it\u2019s part of a complete sensory therapy environment. You\u2019re breathing purified oxygen, surrounded by calming light, subtle temperature drops, ambient soundscapes, and scent-based therapy. In 10 minutes, your body feels recharged \u2014 as if you\u2019ve taken a power nap or had a spa treatment. And here\u2019s the real impact: when you walk into your home in this calmer, more balanced state, you\u2019re more present with your family, less irritable, and more energised. It\u2019s wellness designed not just for the individual, but for the relationships inside the home.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"141\" data-end=\"361\">Q This is clearly a departure from traditional real estate thinking. Many developers still focus on optimising FSI and adding checklist amenities. What made you commit to a more service-driven, post-possession mindset?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"363\" data-end=\"935\">For too long, real estate has been defined by the handover. Once the keys are given, the developer\u2019s job is considered done. I reject that idea. The real challenge \u2014 and the real opportunity \u2014 lies in the years after possession. That\u2019s why our approach is about creating ecosystems where people\u2019s daily lives are made easier, healthier, and richer. The 50-plus amenities we integrate into each project aren\u2019t just for brochure appeal \u2014 they\u2019re designed to be used, to create human connection, and to make the resident feel their home is the best part of their lifestyle.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"937\" data-end=\"1098\">Q Mumbai is famously price-sensitive, even in its luxury segment. How do you balance premium design and amenities with the realities of cost and affordability?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1100\" data-end=\"1749\">It starts with reframing the conversation. If you reduce a home to just a \u201crate per square foot,\u201d you\u2019re missing the point \u2014 and so is the buyer. The real question is: what do those square feet do for you? We design spaces to elevate everyday living. That means healthier environments, better privacy, smarter amenities, and richer community experiences. Buyers today \u2014 especially in Mumbai \u2014 are willing to pay a premium for these intangibles because they\u2019re tangible in impact. The value proposition isn\u2019t just marble floors or high ceilings; it\u2019s about ensuring the place you spend the most time in actively contributes to your quality of life.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1751\" data-end=\"1898\">Q Design plays a big role in luxury skyscrapers. How involved are you personally in the design process, and how do you choose your collaborators?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1900\" data-end=\"2743\">The vision and concept for every project start in-house, and I\u2019m hands-on in that phase. Once we\u2019ve set the creative and functional direction, we bring in the best partners to execute it. For example, we work with Hafeez Contractor on our Tardeo and Marine Lines projects. On the engineering side, we collaborate with RWDI \u2014 global specialists in wind engineering for skyscrapers up to 800 metres. My brief to them was simple: I want windows that fully open, even on the 80th floor. In Mumbai, people value fresh air and open views; they don\u2019t want to live in sealed glass boxes. At Tardeo, we\u2019ve even shaped the tower like our MICL logo \u2014 a world-first \u2014 because I want every building to carry a visual signature of the brand. For me, design isn\u2019t just about beauty or efficiency; it\u2019s about embedding identity and emotion into the skyline.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2745\" data-end=\"2851\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-38900 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img679.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"347\" height=\"176\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img679.jpg 530w, https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img679-300x152.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 347px) 100vw, 347px\" \/>Q With such ambitious projects, what\u2019s the biggest hurdle you face in Mumbai\u2019s real estate market today?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2853\" data-end=\"3630\">If I had to sum it up in one word \u2014 mindset. And I mean that both in terms of consumer expectations and, more critically, the approach of approving authorities. On the consumer side, we\u2019re still in transition from seeing real estate purely as a financial asset to recognising it as a lifestyle investment. On the government side, the mindset is still highly procedural. We have a tunnel-vision approach to approvals, where the focus is on compliance checklists rather than enabling visionary ideas. Why can\u2019t India have a skyline that rivals New York, Shanghai, or Hong Kong? Why shouldn\u2019t our buildings be the kind of architectural icons that become wallpapers on global phones? That\u2019s the ambition I have for Mumbai \u2014 but it requires intent and support at the policy level.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3632\" data-end=\"3938\">Q We have recently analysed the numbers and found that, factoring 40 plus premiums, and then adding GST and other statutory costs on top, the government has become the single largest stakeholder in real estate business with a share of 30\u201335% of a project\u2019s cost. How do you see this impacting the sector?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3940\" data-end=\"4803\">You\u2019re right \u2014 on paper, many say it\u2019s 35%, but if you add all the statutory outflows, it\u2019s closer to 50%. That\u2019s an extraordinary share for a \u201csilent partner\u201d who assumes no development risk. There have been glimpses of what a supportive policy can do. Take the temporary reduction of stamp duty to 2% \u2014 it triggered historic sales volumes in Maharashtra. That one move showed us that when affordability improves, everyone benefits: the state earns more in absolute terms from higher transaction volumes, and developers get the cash flow to launch more projects. Unfortunately, that kind of long-term, consistent policy thinking is rare. We\u2019re also the only industry in India that doesn\u2019t get input tax credit. It\u2019s fundamentally unfair and reduces the viability of doing business, especially for developers who are investing heavily in quality and innovation.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4805\" data-end=\"4875\">Q If you had to distil it, what\u2019s your core message to policymakers?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4877\" data-end=\"4918\">It\u2019s simple: cities are judged by what<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"127\" data-end=\"521\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-38901 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"407\" height=\"226\" srcset=\"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img683.jpg 530w, https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img683-300x166.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 407px) 100vw, 407px\" \/>Gets built in them. Developers are as vital to a nation\u2019s growth story as infrastructure builders. If we don\u2019t create world-class homes, offices, and urban ecosystems, how will we attract HNIs, NRIs, and global talent? Last year, India saw the highest outmigration of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. That\u2019s not just people leaving \u2014 that\u2019s capital, spending power, and ambition flowing out.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"1016\">Much of it comes down to ease of living \u2014 good amenities, good design, and environments where people want to stay. If a developer is willing to go beyond the bare minimum, like we do, why not incentivise that? We\u2019re not asking for special treatment out of ego; we\u2019re asking for it because of the impact. Don\u2019t lump every developer into the same basket. Create a framework that rewards quality, integrity, and vision. Give us the room to build cities that future generations will be proud of.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1018\" data-end=\"1210\">Q You\u2019re building some of Mumbai\u2019s tallest towers, many along the coastline. Ambition and scale are clear, but how do you reconcile that with environmental responsibility and sustainability?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1212\" data-end=\"1707\">For us, sustainability is not a checkbox to be ticked \u2014 it\u2019s embedded into the way we conceive and execute projects. The goal is to create buildings that are not only iconic in design, but responsible in their impact. We start with structural choices. Our towers use composite columns \u2014 a hybrid of steel and concrete \u2014 which provide greater strength with lower material consumption over the building\u2019s lifespan. It\u2019s a more efficient use of resources and also improves construction timelines.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1709\" data-end=\"2398\">On the fa\u00e7ade, we avoid traditional paint entirely. Instead, we use heat-resistant, sound-insulated glass cladding. This achieves multiple objectives: it reduces internal heat gain, lowers ambient noise, eliminates the chemical emissions associated with repainting every five years, and significantly cuts long-term maintenance waste. Inside the homes, we prioritise natural ventilation, especially in bathrooms, so that residents don\u2019t have to rely on artificial lighting or exhaust systems during the day. It\u2019s part of a broader passive design philosophy \u2014 using orientation, shading, insulation, and airflow to reduce energy consumption before adding active systems like solar panels.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2400\" data-end=\"2583\">And of course, the fundamentals are always in place: rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, solar integration for common areas, and low-maintenance, long-life landscaping.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2585\" data-end=\"2699\">Q Do you find that buyers today value these ESG measures, or are they still more influenced by visible luxuries?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2701\" data-end=\"3246\">It\u2019s evolving. A few years ago, most buyers looked at ESG features as \u201cnice to have\u201d add-ons. Today, especially in the premium and luxury segments, there\u2019s a growing appreciation for what these measures actually mean in day-to-day living. When you tell a resident that their apartment will naturally be 2\u20133 degrees cooler year-round, reducing air conditioning costs and improving sleep quality, they see the direct benefit. When you explain that a building won\u2019t need repainting for decades, they understand the savings and reduced disruption.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3248\" data-end=\"3581\">So yes, people still appreciate the Italian marble and designer chandeliers, but increasingly, they also value the invisible luxuries \u2014 lower energy bills, cleaner air, quieter interiors, and a building that ages gracefully. In my view, that\u2019s where the future of luxury real estate lies: in merging aspiration with responsibility.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3583\" data-end=\"3702\">Q Where do you see the Mumbai real estate market in 2030 \u2014 and what\u2019s your aspiration for MICL within that landscape?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3704\" data-end=\"4341\">While the market\u2019s exact trajectory will always depend on economic cycles, policy, and infrastructure, my vision for MICL is very clear: I want us to be recognised not just for the height or scale of our projects, but for their meaning. Too many developments are remembered for their launch, but fade into anonymity within a few years. I want every MICL project to stand out decades later \u2014 not just as an address, but as part of a family\u2019s personal story. Whether it\u2019s a lifestyle we\u2019ve made possible, a legacy we\u2019ve helped create, or the ease of living we\u2019ve delivered, the emotional connection must be as strong as the physical one.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4343\" data-end=\"4634\">When someone says, \u201cI want a home where I feel safe, secure, and proud,\u201d I want MICL to be the natural answer. If we can consistently create homes that people don\u2019t just live in, but truly cherish for life, then the brand will grow organically \u2014 one word-of-mouth recommendation at a time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>MICL has a strong legacy in Mumbai\u2019s construction and infrastructure ecosystem, yet real estate development was not the company\u2019s starting<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38572,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4423,4424,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-38595","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-developers","category-interviews","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38595","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=38595"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38595\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/38572"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=38595"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=38595"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/urbanacres.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=38595"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}