NDMC Set To Revive Delhi's Once-Iconic 'Super Bazar' In Connaught Place

In a recent announcement, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has stated its intentions to redevelop the iconic 'Super Bazar' at Counnaught Place. The re-development proposal for the six-storey structure, a significant landmark in the heart of the national capital, will be placed before the council in its forthcoming meeting.

The final decision, however, "will be taken soon, though a timeline for the project has not yet been fixed. Once approved, the existing building will undergo a complete makeover," the official said.

Previously in July 2025, NDMC had already initiated the process of the building's re-development by inviting advisors for the job. A public notice was issued inviting bids for the selection of advisors for the redevelopment of three NDMC-owned properties: Super Bazar, Khan Market and Yashwant Place. The project was to be executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

About The 'Super Bazar'

Inaugurated in 1966, in the wake of the Indo-Pak war, the 'Super Bazar' building was a vision of resistance against inflation by the Congress government. The building was projected to be a people's store that would accommodate goods ranging from essential oils to cutting-edge gadgets, all under the same roof, and checked pricing.

The big store's bright days began to dwindle by the end by mid-1990s, owing chiefly to negligence, mismanagement and overstaffing, especially as the economy opened-up under neoliberalisation. The slow decline came to an end in the year 2002 with the building officially shutting down. As swanky malls took over, old business model, as observed by 'Super Bazar,' went out of fashion along with the extensive market in the heart of Connaught Place.

After NDMC's latest push for resuscitation, the once thriving 'Super Bazar' appears poised for a new life. The civic body intends to bring the building's amenities up to speed with the current times, and tap on its imminent commercial potential to full limit, hoping to mark a new era for a landmark that was once the essence of Delhi’s shopping culture.

(With inputs from PTI and other sources.)

FAQs

1. What is Super Bazar in Connaught Place?
Super Bazar was a government-backed retail store inaugurated in 1966, conceived as a people’s marketplace offering essential goods at regulated prices in the heart of Connaught Place.

2. Why is NDMC planning to redevelop Super Bazar now?
NDMC aims to revive the long-shuttered landmark by modernising its infrastructure and amenities, while unlocking its commercial potential through a public-private partnership model.

3. When did Super Bazar shut down and why?
Super Bazar officially closed in 2002 after years of decline caused by mismanagement, overstaffing and its inability to adapt to liberalised retail markets and mall culture.

4. What will the redevelopment of Super Bazar involve?
While final plans are yet to be approved, the existing six-storey structure will undergo a complete makeover to align with contemporary retail and commercial standards.

5. Has a timeline been announced for the redevelopment project?
No fixed timeline has been announced yet. NDMC has stated that the proposal will be placed before the council, after which a final decision will be taken.