January 23, 2026: The familiar scent of Parle-G biscuits that once defined Mumbai’s Vile Parle neighbourhood faded in 2016. Nearly a decade later, the iconic Parle Products factory itself is preparing to make way for a new chapter, as plans move ahead to redevelop the historic manufacturing site into a large commercial complex.
Parle Products intends to transform its oldest factory premises in Vile Parle East, where India’s most recognisable biscuit was born, into a modern commercial development. The State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), granted partial environmental clearance on January 7, allowing the demolition of 21 ageing structures on the plot. A copy of the clearance is with Hindustan Times.
The company had first approached the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) with redevelopment proposals in mid-2025 before seeking environmental approvals. The site spans 5.44 hectares (13.45 acres), or 54,438.80 sq m, and is planned to be redeveloped with a total built-up area of 1,90,360.52 sq m. Of this, 1,21,698.09 sq m falls under Floor Space Index (FSI), while 68,662.43 sq m is categorised as non-FSI construction. The overall project cost is estimated at ₹3,961.39 crore.
Redevelopment plans outline four buildings along with two dedicated parking towers of three and six storeys. Each building will have two basement levels. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued a no-objection certificate in October 2025, prescribing height limits due to the site’s proximity to the airport, though documents show a marginal height relaxation has been sought for one structure. The complex is expected to house retail outlets, restaurants, food courts and office spaces.
Environmental considerations featured prominently in SEIAA’s review. Of the 508 trees on the site, 311 will be retained, 129 felled and 68 transplanted. The company has proposed a Miyawaki plantation, with 1,203 new trees planned, taking the total tree count post-development to 2,230.
Parle Products has not clarified whether it will occupy the commercial space itself or lease it out. The Vile Parle factory, established in 1929 by the Chauhan family-promoted firm, ceased biscuit production in mid-2016 after 87 years, citing declining productivity, though it remains an enduring symbol of Mumbai’s industrial and cultural history.
Source: Hindustan Times
