Parel

Parel is a locality in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Located along the eastern bank of the Mithi River in the southern part of the city, it forms part of the larger Parel region and is closely associated with the nearby area known as Lower Parel. The area has a long history linked to Mumbai’s industrial development.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Parel was dominated by textile mills that were central to Mumbai’s emergence as a textile hub. After many mills closed in the late 20th century, the area underwent extensive redevelopment, shifting from an industrial zone to a major commercial and mixed-use district with office complexes, shopping centers, and new residential towers, particularly in Lower Parel.

Today, Parel is served by the Mumbai Suburban Railway network, with Parel railway station providing rail connectivity. It is connected by major roads and is in proximity to other business districts, contributing to its role as a commercial hub in the city.

In Dutch and Afrikaans, parel or parel means pearl. The term appears in various languages and historical references in trade contexts.