The neighbourhood rose to prominence after the erection of Ram Swarup Clock Tower on the Grand Trunk Road in 1941, and the construction of Jaipuria and Birla textile mills.

Shakti Nagar and its adjoining neighbourhoods were centre of political activity during the late British Raj and the first two decades after Independence.

Naresh Gupta Chharia, has started Ist Publishing House unit in Shakti Nagar, in the year 1976 i.e. Indian Books centre, Sri Satguru Publications, Divine Books, Vasu Publications etc., now there are over 30 publishing house of international fame are established in Shakti Nagar.

It was also a cultural hub after Independence with Gulzar, Santosh Anand and Manoj Kumar being active there during some part of their lives before becoming popular in Bollywood.

Established in 1982 North Delhi Pathology Clinic an Accredited Medical Reference laboratory of national repute is situated in this area.