Mumbai’s Biscuit Legacy Crumbles: Parle‑G Factory Faces Final Curtain |

Updated: January 30, 2026 07:13

Image Source: Free Press Journal

Mumbai’s iconic Parle-G biscuit factory in Vile Parle East, which shaped India’s snacking culture for nearly a century, is set for demolition and commercial redevelopment. With environmental clearance granted, the 97-year-old site will transform into modern towers, closing a nostalgic chapter for millions who grew up with Parle-G.

An era officially ends as the Parle-G biscuit factory in Vile Parle East prepares for demolition and redevelopment. The landmark site, spread across 13.45 acres, was once the birthplace of India’s most beloved biscuit brand, Parle-G, and has stood as a cultural symbol since the 1920s.

Key Highlights

Historic Legacy: Established in 1929, the factory produced the original “Parle Gluco” biscuits, later rebranded as Parle-G in the 1980s. Generations of Indians grew up dipping these biscuits in tea, making them a household staple.
Redevelopment Approval: The Maharashtra State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) granted clearance earlier this month, allowing demolition of 21 ageing structures on the site. The project will involve commercial towers, landscaped areas, and planting of over 1,800 trees.
Investment Scale: The redevelopment is pegged at ₹3,961 crore, marking one of Mumbai’s largest transformation projects in recent years.
End of Production: Biscuit-making at the Vile Parle plant had already ceased in 2016, with operations shifted to newer facilities across India. The site has since awaited redevelopment proposals, which were formally submitted to the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) in 2025.
Cultural Impact: For many, the closure is bittersweet. Parle-G was more than a biscuit—it was a symbol of affordability, nostalgia, and comfort. The iconic wrapper featuring the illustrated child, designed in the 1960s, became etched in India’s collective memory.

What’s Next

The redevelopment promises to reshape Vile Parle East into a modern commercial hub, boosting real estate and employment opportunities. Yet, for countless Indians, the demolition represents the fading of a cultural landmark. As one resident remarked, “The aroma of Parle-G biscuits defined our mornings; now the skyline will define our future.”

Takeaways