Founded in February 2021, Unike Ideaxa Pvt. Ltd. is a Gujarat-based manufacturing company headquartered in the Gota region of Ahmedabad. The company specializes in fabricated metal products and advanced industrial and civic body solutions such as metal manhole covers, leveraging engineering excellence and precision-driven manufacturing capabilities. Through its commitment to innovation, quality, and durability, Unike Ideaxa continues to strengthen India’s evolving manufacturing landscape while addressing critical infrastructure requirements across sectors.
In an exclusive interaction with The Interview World at the NAREDCO Real Estate Conclave 2026, Harshil Sethiya, Director of Unike Ideaxa Pvt. Ltd., elaborates on the company’s innovative metal manhole covers and the distinct advantages they offer over conventional alternatives. He further explains the robust safety features integrated into these solutions, discusses their environmental sustainability credentials, and outlines their potential applications within municipal infrastructure projects. Additionally, he shares his vision for wider adoption of metal manhole systems by municipal corporations to enhance public safety, operational efficiency, and long-term infrastructure resilience. Presented below are the key insights from this engaging and thought-provoking conversation.
Q: Could you please share details of the innovative products your organization is showcasing at this exhibition?
A: We are implementing this project in collaboration with Startup India Corporation for the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. At the exhibition, we are showcasing an innovative next-generation manhole cover that significantly improves upon conventional concrete-based designs.
Unlike traditional manhole covers, this solution features a galvanized iron outer casing that enhances durability, strength, and resistance to environmental wear. In addition, we have integrated advanced composite materials and magnetically charged grids into its design, creating a more efficient and sustainable drainage system.
The technology works on a simple yet highly effective principle. Rainwater, stormwater, and wastewater flow seamlessly through the cover, while dust, debris, and sediments remain trapped on the surface. As a result, the system facilitates uninterrupted water movement without allowing solid waste to enter the drainage network.
Furthermore, conventional concrete manholes often restrict the natural flow of both water and gases, which can contribute to blockages, hazardous gas accumulation, and maintenance challenges. In contrast, our innovative manhole cover addresses both concerns simultaneously. It allows water to pass through efficiently while enabling trapped gases to escape safely into the atmosphere.
Consequently, the solution helps reduce environmental pollution, minimizes infrastructure-related hazards, and significantly lowers risks to human safety. Beyond these advantages, the product offers several additional operational and maintenance benefits, making it a practical and forward-looking solution for modern urban infrastructure.
Q: Could you explain the key benefits and advantages of these manhole covers?
A: Traditional concrete-based manhole covers often trap gases and fumes within the underground drainage system. Over time, the accumulation of these combustible gases can create serious safety hazards. In certain situations, even a small ignition source—such as a lit matchstick or a discarded cigarette—can trigger an explosion, posing significant risks to public safety and surrounding infrastructure.
Our innovative manhole cover addresses this challenge through a more intelligent design. It allows gases and fumes generated within the drainage network to vent continuously and safely into the atmosphere. As a result, it prevents the buildup of hazardous gases and significantly reduces the likelihood of pressure-related incidents.
Consequently, the system enhances operational safety, minimizes infrastructure damage, and helps prevent accidents that could endanger both human lives and public assets. By ensuring controlled ventilation, it creates a safer and more reliable urban drainage environment.
These advanced manhole covers are particularly well suited for industrial applications, where safety, durability, and efficient drainage management are critical requirements. In addition, they are increasingly being deployed in government-led infrastructure projects, where long-term performance, risk mitigation, and sustainable urban development remain key priorities.
Q: Manual manhole cleaning can pose serious safety risks and has unfortunately led to fatalities. What safety features or measures have been incorporated into this product to protect workers and reduce such risks?
A: One of the most significant advantages of these metal manhole covers is their ability to substantially reduce the need for direct human intervention during maintenance operations. Since cleaning can be performed entirely from the surface, workers do not need to enter confined underground spaces, thereby minimizing exposure to hazardous conditions and enhancing overall safety.
Moreover, the system requires only limited manpower for routine upkeep. Standard sweeping and surface-level cleaning are generally sufficient to maintain optimal performance. As a result, maintenance becomes simpler, safer, and more cost-effective.
Another key benefit is the reduced frequency of cleaning. Unlike conventional systems that often demand regular maintenance, these manhole covers can typically operate efficiently for one to two weeks before requiring cleaning, depending on site conditions. This significantly lowers operational workloads and maintenance costs.
Furthermore, the design incorporates complete reversibility. Both sides of the manhole cover possess identical structural and functional characteristics, allowing the cover to be installed and used from either side without compromising performance. This reversible feature enhances operational flexibility, extends service life, and simplifies handling during installation and maintenance.
Q: Are these products environmentally friendly?
A: This manhole cover offers a highly sustainable solution for modern urban infrastructure. It minimizes pollution, supports efficient water and waste management, and reduces the environmental impact associated with conventional drainage systems. Moreover, its design enables the safe passage of water and controlled release of gases, helping maintain cleaner surroundings. Its durability and low maintenance requirements further conserve resources and lower operational costs. Consequently, it contributes to environmental protection while supporting long-term infrastructure sustainability.
Q: Do you plan to introduce these products for use by municipal corporations as well?
A: While we currently market this solution primarily for industrial applications, we have also successfully implemented it for municipal infrastructure projects. In fact, we collaborated with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation in 2023 to design and develop this innovative manhole cover specifically for its operational requirements.
The product measures 750 mm by 750 mm and features a thickness of 100 mm. Despite weighing approximately 100 kilograms, it delivers exceptional structural strength and can withstand loads of up to 56 tonnes, making it suitable for demanding urban and industrial environments.
Looking ahead, we plan to expand our manufacturing capabilities to meet growing market demand. Accordingly, we are establishing a new production facility in Ahmedabad, scheduled to become operational in August. With fresh orders already in the pipeline, we are actively preparing to scale up production and support upcoming projects more efficiently.
