The renovation of the Khadi store in Connaught Place, which had been stalled, is likely to commence again. Nearly a year after closing for a revamp, the flagship store of Khadi India in Regal Building is working to overcome restrictions due to the building's heritage tag, which had halted the renovation work, as per sources.
An official from the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) stated, 'We held a very productive meeting with officials from the housing and urban affairs ministry. They have assured us of full cooperation. A way around the heritage building restrictions will be found soon, and work will commence shortly.'
The KVIC, which operates and manages this outlet, plans to redevelop it into India's first 'Khadi Mall', featuring AI-based interactive screens to suggest modern fashion layouts, sizing, and styling.
The official added, 'The new outlet will have a complete overhaul of interior design, trial rooms, lighting, and heavy-traffic billing counters. It will also feature dedicated modern lounges for premium organic products, cosmetics, and regional high-end silks. Other customer amenities like cafeterias will be built for a better shopping experience.'
For decades, this iconic Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan served as a central hub for India's hand-spun traditions and rural industries. The showroom took centre stage every Gandhi Jayanti, routinely attracting senior political leaders and dignitaries. It first opened in 1955 and was inaugurated by India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The Regal Building was originally constructed in 1932 by British architect Walter Sykes George and Indian contractor Sir Sobha Singh. The central public sector enterprise NBCC (India), under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, is currently undertaking the restoration work. Earlier, renovation had stalled due to delays in clearances from multiple civic and heritage bodies.
