Mumbai: Iconic Parle-G Factory In Vile Parle Closes Down for Redevelopment
Parle-G, India’s most loved biscuit, marks the end of an era as its historic Vile Parle factory makes way for modern redevelopment, while its legacy lives on in Indian hearts.
Parle-G is one of India’s most loved biscuits and has been a part of everyday life for generations. For many Indians, a day felt incomplete without a cup of hot tea and a pack of Parle-G. Over the years, the biscuit became more than just a snack and turned into a strong emotional connection for people across the country.
Parle-G was not just a biscuit but a part of Indian culture, traditions, and daily routines. From childhood memories to late-night tea breaks, Parle-G found a place in almost every home. Its simple taste and affordable price made it popular among all age groups and income levels.
Parle Products was started by Mohanlal Dayal Chauhan in 1929 in Vile Parle, Mumbai. In the beginning, the factory produced candies and toffees. Biscuit production started later, in 1939. The company was named after the place where it began. The name Vile Parle comes from old villages and nearby temples in the area.
The Parle factory was not just an industrial unit but a symbol of Mumbai’s strong business spirit. For decades, people living around Vile Parle would smell freshly baked Parle-G biscuits every day, making the area famous for its sweet aroma.
However, due to reduced production and changing industry needs, the factory was permanently closed in 2016. Though some company staff continued to be present on the premises, the smell of freshly baked biscuits stopped spreading through the area by mid-2016, bringing an end to a journey of almost 90 years.
Now, the iconic Parle Products factory site is moving into history. The large 13-acre land is being redesigned for modern commercial use. This change reflects how Mumbai is transforming from old industrial spaces to modern urban developments.
The site is being redeveloped into a modern office complex by L&T Realty. The Maharashtra State Environment Impact Assessment Authority has approved environmental clearance, allowing the demolition of 21 old structures on the site. It is still not clear whether Parle Products will use the new space fully for itself or rent it out partly or completely.
While the future use of the land may change, Parle-G’s legacy remains untouched. Whether the biscuit continues for many more decades or not, it has already secured a permanent place in the hearts of Indians, a place no other biscuit has been able to replace.
