Parel or Lower Parel is a neighbourhood of Mumbai. It is one of the toniest commercial and residential localities of the city. It hosts the ITC Grand Central Hotel and is also replete with luxury skyscrapers, restaurants, pubs, and offices of numerous prestigious companies. Until the beginning of the 21st century, many cotton mills and residence for their employees dotted the area, which eventually were shut down. Once dominated by textile mills till the 1980s, Lower Parel metamorphosed into a posh locality as part of the redevelopment of Mumbai mills.

Connectivity

Lower Parel promises excellent connectivity to several areas like Prabhadevi, Dadar East, Mahalakshmi, Ghodapdeo, and Worli. It is also well-linked to many strategic roads such as the Annie Besant Road, Elphinstone Flyover, NM Joshi Marg, and others. Besides the widespread service of BEST buses, the connectivity lifeline of this area draws majorly on the railway line. It lends its name to two railway stations (Parel and Lower Parel) on the Mumbai Suburban Railway. The Central Railway Station is at a distance of approximately 4.2 kilometres from this locality, while the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is 21 minutes away. One can enjoy easy accessibility to the latter through the Western Highway which runs nearby. The upcoming Mumbai metro network will further enhance the transport network in the area.

Real estate

This area has experienced skyrocketing development over the years which has consequently boosted the demand for real estate property. The market here is dominated by big names of this field.

Social infrastructure

PES Maharashtra High School, JBCN Pan Academy, K.M.S. Dr. Shirodkar High School, Marathi High School, NM Joshi School, and few others provide quality education.
The finest hospitals in the vicinity include JC Hospital, Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital, Global Hospital, N M Joshi Hospital, Dr. Mahaska Hospital, IPC Heart Care Centre, and others.
The area also hosts a number of reputed banks including Indian Overseas Bank, ICICI Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India, Dena Bank, State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, etc. One also finds a standard distribution of other basic social amenities such as ATMs, petrol pumps, bus stops, etc.