Looking Up

Murtuza Lakdawala (ML), head of construction & design, Goodwill Developers, speaks with your author (SSP) about the significance of VT in his projects. 

SSP: What is the significance of elevators in your company’s projects? Are they considered a lifestyle amenity?

ML: Today, elevators are considered a lifestyle amenity. This is seen in most of our recent projects. In our earlier projects, we built four- to seven-story buildings in which elevators were considered a luxury. Recent ones, like Goodwill Unity and Goodwill Pride, have 20 and 13 floors, respectively. These taller buildings have made elevators a requisite amenity. They are no longer a luxury, but a necessity. 

SSP: Do you see buildings getting even taller in the near future? How would this impact decisions about elevator selection?

ML: Since land is scarce, most developers are increasingly going vertical, and efficient vertical mobility is a critical component of tall-building development and construction. Keeping that in mind, better elevators with innovative technology and design are being manufactured in India and abroad. All our projects have high-end products — including elevators — with advanced features. 

SSP: With Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) implementation, what do developers now have to keep in mind about elevators in their projects?

ML: With RERA coming into the picture, most developers are making maximum use of elevators, especially in terms of electricity consumption. Electricity is no longer a major factor in installing lifts.

SSP: As Navi Mumbai easily connects to Mumbai and its peripheral areas, what are the prospects for this location in terms of high rises and the need for elevators?

ML: Navi Mumbai boasts an impressive connectivity to Mumbai and Pune and is equipped with an efficient public-transportation system in the form of trains, Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport and Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport buses, cabs and app-based rides. The planned construction of another six-lane bridge, parallel to the existing bridge connecting Mankhurd and Vashi, is also expected to facilitate better transportation and connectivity. The city’s well-planned structure guarantees the region doesn’t face flooding, sanitation or waste-disposal issues, as every node in Navi Mumbai has its own sewage treatment plant. Another big boost is the upcoming international airport. All these factors make Navi Mumbai a very lucrative investment destination. Because of this, there are numerous high-rise residential and commercial projects in the pipeline in this area. Naturally, there will also be a rise in the demand for elevators, especially as part of the aftersales service of these projects. 

SSP: As most swanky skyscrapers in Navi Mumbai are equipped with ultra-modern amenities like swimming pools, terraces, lounges and cafés, how do you feel about high-speed elevators in this scenario?

ML: Given the rapid growth of high-rise buildings, developers are already quite aware of the need for high-speed elevators. They realize that a technologically up-to-date elevator is as significant as any other modern amenity, be it a terrace pool, lounge, café or Jacuzzi. In our upcoming project, Goodwill Unity, we incorporated high-speed elevators offering swift services. Infrastructure projects like the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and metro and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link will further increase the scope of elevators and escalators.

SSP: Which aspects set the Goodwill Unity project apart?

ML: Goodwill Unity at Sanpada, Navi Mumbai, comprises two residential towers with 136 units and 20 floors. What makes this project stand out is that it is the first digital complex in Navi Mumbai. This grants the residents Wi-Fi in all common areas, including pools, gyms, an amphitheater and more. Surveillance is a high priority, as the complex is outfitted with a security system that grants parents a digital avenue to keep track of their children’s presence in the complex. This also helps residents keep track of people visiting their homes from the comfort of their phones, anywhere, anytime. The project offers two-bedroom, hall and kitchen (BHK) homes with sundecks, along with connectivity to the holiday destination Lonavala and the rest of Mumbai. It offers a wide range of amenities, including a fitness center, a semi-Olympic-sized swimming pool, a hot tub, yoga and meditation decks, an amphitheater, a reflexology path and a banquet hall with a party lawn.

SSP: What is the emphasis on vertical transportation (VT) at this project?

ML: Goodwill Unity is served by four elevators. All travel at up to 1.75 m/s. Two have a 13-passenger capacity, and two are stretcher lifts. Additionally, the elevators are positioned so that both wings of the complex are connected to all four. There is a passage linking them. This ensures that at least three elevators can be used at all times, even in an emergency. Elevator buttons and handles are at an accessible height, ensuring the units are convenient for children and senior citizens. Designated supervisors are present in the lift lobby to guide visitors to their desired floors. For extra security, closed-circuit TV footage can be monitored from within one’s home. 

Goodwill Developers and Leaders

Murtuza A. Lakdawala, head, construction & design, Goodwill Developers, cofounded the company in 1997 with his brothers, who collectively oversee its various operations. While he heads the construction & design department, his brother, Hakim Lakdawala, leads the company as group promoter. Shabbir Lakdawala heads the marketing & sales department. 

The sister concern of the company is Goodwill Enterprises, a logistics firm focused on distribution for Hindustan Unilever. It is led by Hatim A. Lakdawala. With a stable credit rating, Goodwill Developers has completed 18 commercial and residential projects totaling 2 million ft² across Vashi, Kharghar, Airoli, Kopar Khairne, Nerul and Panvel in Navi Mumbai. Its most notable projects are Goodwill Excellency, Goodwill Paradise and Goodwill Harmony. Its two ongoing projects are Goodwill Unity and Goodwill Abode in Sanpada and Lonavala, respectively. While the Unity project offers a completely digital residential society comprising two-BHK homes with sundecks and exclusive amenities, the Abode project is a bungalow scheme offering three-, four- and five-BHK bungalows. Each is amidst nature and complete with a fully equipped clubhouse. The company has steadily grown in the Navi Mumbai real estate market and seeks expansion opportunities.