End of an era as Mumbai’s Parle-G factory is set for demolition. Learn what replaces it and why the famous girl on the biscuit wrapper was never real.
New Delhi: An important chapter in Mumbai’s industrial history is coming to an end. Authorities have granted environmental clearance, and developers will soon demolish the iconic Parle Products factory in Vile Parle East, where they first made the famous Parle-G biscuit. Developers will redevelop the land into a modern commercial complex, reflecting Mumbai’s steady shift from traditional manufacturing spaces to real estate-driven growth.
For decades, freshly baked biscuits filled the air around the factory with their familiar aroma. That aroma became a part of daily life for people living in Vile Parle and nearby areas.
From a Small Sweet Unit to a National Brand
Mohanlal Dayal Chauhan established the Parle factory in 1929. He started it as a small confectionery unit with just 12 workers making sweets. In 1938, the company shifted its focus to biscuits and launched Parle Gluco, which the company later renamed Parle-G in the 1980s.
The brand grew during the Swadeshi movement and stood for affordable, Indian-made products as an alternative to British goods. Over time, Parle-G became a household name across the country, making biscuits affordable for every Indian family.
A Landmark in India’s Food Industry
For 87 years, the Vile Parle factory remained a key part of India’s food industry. According to a 2011 Nielsen survey, Parle-G became the world’s top-selling biscuit brand. In 2013, the brand crossed ₹5,000 crore in retail sales, confirming its place as one of India’s most trusted and loved products.
Production Stopped in 2016, Memories Lived On
Biscuit production at the Vile Parle unit stopped in mid-2016 due to operational changes and lower productivity at the site. Manufacturing was shifted to other Parle factories across India. Company officials had clarified at the time that this move did not mean falling sales or business trouble. In fact, Parle-G sales remained stable, and production capacity was expanded elsewhere.
Even after operations stopped, the factory buildings remained, reminding Mumbaikars of childhood memories and the comforting biscuit smell that once filled the area.
Environmental Clearance Clears the Way
On January 7, 2026, the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) gave partial environmental clearance for the demolition of 21 old buildings spread across the 5.44-hectare (13.45-acre) land parcel. Parle Products had submitted redevelopment plans to the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) in mid-2025 before applying for environmental approvals.
₹3,961 Crore Commercial Redevelopment Plan
The redevelopment project plans to build a large commercial complex with office spaces, retail stores, restaurants, and parking facilities. The total built-up area will be 1,90,360.52 square metres. This includes 1,21,698.09 sq m under Floor Space Index (FSI) and 68,662.43 sq m as non-FSI construction.
The project is estimated to cost ₹3,961.39 crore. Some reports value the land itself at nearly ₹39,619 crore, highlighting the high value of real estate in Mumbai. There are also reports of a possible partnership with L&T Realty to develop a modern office tower, although Parle Products will remain the main developer.
“End of an Era” for Mumbai
The announcement has triggered strong emotions on social media. Many users have called it the “end of an era.” People shared memories of having Parle-G biscuits with tea and recalled how the brand was part of their childhood.
Several posts highlighted how Mumbai has changed over the years, as developers turned textile mills into malls and replaced bungalows with high-rise buildings. The redevelopment has led many to reflect on how the city balances growth with the loss of its industrial heritage.
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The Truth About the Girl on the Parle-G Wrapper
Along with news of the factory demolition, the long-standing mystery of the girl on the Parle-G biscuit wrapper has come back into discussion. Despite many rumors, the image is not of a real person.
Mayank Shah, Parle Products’ group product manager, has repeatedly clarified that the Everest advertising agency created the picture in the 1960s as a simple hand-drawn illustration. It is not based on any real individual.
Investigators have proven false all stories linking the image to Neeru Deshpande from Nagpur, philanthropist Sudha Murty’s childhood photo, or Gunjan Gundaniya. Representatives of Sudha Murty and Parle officials have clearly denied any connection.
The “G” in Parle-G originally stood for “Glucose,” highlighting its energy value. Later advertising campaigns redefined it as “Genius,” which helped boost the brand’s popularity even further.
An Icon That Lives Beyond Its Factory
While the Vile Parle factory is set to become history, Parle-G continues to be produced across India and remains deeply rooted in Indian culture. The brand’s journey shows that while buildings may disappear, true icons live on beyond their place of origin.
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