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{{Short description|Neighbourhood in Chennai district, Tamil Nadu, India}}
{{About||the constituency|Anna Nagar (State Assembly Constituency)|the neighbourhood in Tiruchirappalli|Anna Nagar, Tiruchirappalli}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                   = Anna Nagar
| native_name            = 
| native_name_lang       = 
| other_name             = Naduvankarai
| settlement_type        = Neighbourhood
| image_skyline          = Anna Nagar Tower Park From Entrance 20Jan2013.jpg
| image_alt              = 
| image_caption          = Anna Nagar Tower Park in the neighbourhood
| nickname               = 
| map_alt                = 
| map_caption            = Anna Nagar
| pushpin_map            = India Chennai#Tamil Nadu#India
| pushpin_label_position = 
| pushpin_map_alt        = 
| pushpin_map_caption    = Anna Nagar (Chennai)
| coordinates            = {{coord|13.085000|N|80.210100|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type       = [[Country]]
| subdivision_name       = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1      = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2      = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type3      = Metro
| subdivision_type4      = [[List of Chennai Corporation zones|Zone]]
| subdivision_type5      = Ward
| subdivision_name1      = [[Tamil Nadu]]
| subdivision_name2      = Chennai
| subdivision_name3      = Chennai
| subdivision_name4      = Anna Nagar
| subdivision_name5      = 100-102
| established_title      = <!-- Established -->
| established_date       = 
| founder                = 
| named_for              = [[Arignar Anna]]
| government_type        = 
| governing_body         = 
| unit_pref              = Metric
| area_footnotes         = 
| area_total_km2         = 5
| area_rank              = 
| elevation_footnotes    = 
| elevation_m            = 33
| population_total       = 
| population_as_of       = 
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank        = 
| population_demonym     = 
| demographics_type1     = Languages
| demographics1_title1   = Official
| timezone1              = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1            = +5:30
| postal_code_type       = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
| postal_code            = 
| registration_plate     = TN 02 (Chennai North West)
| website                = 
| footnotes              = 
| demographics1_info1    = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| blank1_name_sec1       = [[Lok Sabha|Parliamentary]] constituency
| blank1_info_sec1       = [[Chennai Central (Lok Sabha constituency)|Central Chennai]]
| blank2_name_sec2       = [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|Assembly]] constituency
| blank2_info_sec2       = [[Anna Nagar Assembly constituency|Anna Nagar]]
| blank3_name_sec2       = [[Urban planning|Planning]] agency
| blank3_info_sec2       = [[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority|CMDA]]
| blank4_name_sec1       = [[Member of parliament|MP]]
| blank4_info_sec1       = [[Dayanidhi Maran]], [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]]
| blank5_name_sec1       = [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]]
| blank5_info_sec1       = [[M. K. Mohan]], [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]]
| official_name          = 
}}

'''Anna Nagar''' (formerly known as '''Naduvakkarai'''),<ref>{{Cite news |title=Naduvakkarai Nostalgia |work=[[The Hindu]] |first=M. J. |last=Krishna |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/03/13/stories/2003031300740300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040717170419/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/03/13/stories/2003031300740300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 July 2004 |date=13 March 2003 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> is a neighbourhood in the metropolitan city of [[Chennai]], [[India]]. Named after former [[chief minister of Tamil Nadu]] [[C. N. Annadurai]], it is located in the north-western part of Chennai and forms a part of the [[Aminjikarai taluk]] and the [[List of Chennai Corporation wards|Anna Nagar Zone]]. It is one of the costliest and most sought after prime areas in Chennai and is home to several prominent doctors, civil officers, actors, lawyers and politicians. Real estate prices are among the highest in the city.<ref>{{cite news |title=5 reasons Anna Nagar can be your locality of choice |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |publisher=Kasturi & Sons |date=26 November 2017 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/real-estate/5-reasons-anna-nagar-can-be-your-locality-of-choice/article20671204.ece |access-date=24 September 2020}}</ref> A recent addition to the area is [[VR Chennai Mall]], located near Shanthi Colony and Thirumangalam junction.

Anna Nagar is the first and the only neighbourhood in Chennai to follow a standard addressing system followed in the [[western world]]. One of the primary landmarks in Anna Nagar is the [[Anna Nagar Tower]], built in 1968 as part of the World Trade Fair. Other important locations include the Anna Arch, Chinthamani, Blue Star, 14 shops, Shanthi Colony, Thirumangalam junction, [[Padi grade separator]], Anna Nagar East, and the Anna Nagar West bus depot.

Anna Nagar has several established schools and colleges, places of worship, shopping areas with both independent shops and [[chain store]]s, and numerous restaurants. The 2nd avenue is an arterial road in Anna Nagar which has emerged as a hub for several restaurants and shops. There are also a number of midsize hospitals and nursing homes catering to the local population.

== History ==
[[File:Anna Nagar, 1972.jpg|thumb|350px|left|Anna Nagar in 1972]]
Anna Nagar originated as a suburban village called Naduvakkarai. It was called Mullam Village.

Anna Nagar was developed by the [[Tamil Nadu Housing Board]] in the early 1970s following the World Trade Fair in the area in 1968.<ref>{{cite web |title=Structure of Chennai |work=Chapter 1 |publisher=CMDA |url=http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume3_English_PDF/Vol3_Chapter01_Structure%20of%20Chennai.pdf |access-date=24 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826201439/http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume3_English_PDF/Vol3_Chapter01_Structure%20of%20Chennai.pdf |archive-date=26 August 2013}}</ref> The board developed residential plots, apartments, commercial complexes, wide roads, school zones, [[bus terminus]], and large parks.

== Geography ==
As of 2018, Anna Nagar zone had a green cover of more than 20 percent, as against the city's 14.9 percent average.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lopez |first=Aloysius Xavier |title=A Rs. 228-cr. project to take city's green cover to 20% |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |pages=4 |publisher=Kasturi & Sons |date=31 August 2018 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/a-228-cr-project-to-take-citys-green-cover-to-20/article24824653.ece |access-date=2 September 2018}}</ref>

== Religion ==
[[File:AnnaNagarAyyappan FacingTheSanctum.JPG|thumb|Ayyapan Temple]]
Several prominent temples, churches and mosques are located in Anna Nagar.

=== Temples ===
* Thirumani Amman Temple
* Shyam Mandir
* Balamurugan Temple
* [[Anna Nagar Ayyappan Koil, Chennai|Anna Nagar Ayyappa Temple]]
* Chandra Mouleeshwarar Thirukovil
* Arulmiga Mahakali Amman Temple
* Srinivasa Temple
* "Sai Sahara Samithi" - Sri Sathya Sai
* Siru Tirupathi – Perumal Temple
* Vetri Vinayagar Temple
* Sri Vallabha Viyanagar Temple

=== Churches ===
* St. Luke's Church
* Shrine Of Divine Mercy
* Assembly Of God Church
* Don Bosco Shrine Centre
* Don Bosco Church
* CSI Redeemer Church Pastorate
* St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
* The Pentecostal Mission.

=== Mosques ===
* Masjid Javeed Pallivasal
* Masjid Thaqwa
* Madina Masjid
* Masjid Ul Jannah
* Masjid E Noor
* Masjid E Rahmaniah Villivakkam
* Masjid E Noor
* Masjid Al Noorul Madrasa

== Education ==
* Chinmaya Vidyalaya
* Jaigopal Garodia Vivekananda Vidyalaya
* Chennai Public School
* [[SBOA School & Junior College]]
* [[Valliammal Matriculation Higher Secondary School]]
* CSI Jessie Moses Matriculation Higher Secondary School
* Shri Krishnaswamy Matriculation Higher Secondary School
* Anna Adarsh Matriculation Higher Secondary School 
* [[Kendriya Vidyalaya]]
* Aachi Global School<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 January 2021 |title=Aachi Global School – Imparting Global Values on Indian Roots |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/express-connect/2020/Dec/30/aachi-global-school-imparting-global-values-on-indian-roots-2243205.html |access-date=23 January 2024 |work=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

== Landmarks ==
=== Anna arch ===
{{Main|Anna Nagar twin arches}}
[[File:Anna Arch Removing.JPG|thumb|upright|left|Anna Arch]]
A large twin arch called the [[Anna Nagar twin arches|Anna arch]] marks the entrance of the southern part of Anna Nagar on the Third Avenue, which was built in 1985 by the Corporation of Chennai at a cost of Rs. 1.2&nbsp;million to commemorate the platinum jubilee celebrations of former chief minister [[C. N. Annadurai]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Anna Arch refuses to give in |location=Chennai |work=The Hindu |date=3 September 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3851578.ece}}</ref> when Anna Nagar was still a developing area. It was inaugurated by the then chief minister of Tamil Nadu, [[M. G. Ramachandran]] on 1 January 1986.<ref>{{cite news |title=Flyover plan revised to give Anna Arch new lease of life |location=Chennai |work=The Hindu |date=6 September 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3863252.ece}}</ref> Each arch stands 52&nbsp;ft tall and weighs 82&nbsp;tonnes.<ref name="One India Tamil-2012">{{cite news |title=சென்னை அண்ணா நகர் ஆர்ச்சை இடிக்கும் பணிக்கு முதல்வர் ஜெயலலிதா தடை |newspaper=One India Tamil |location=Chennai |language=ta |publisher=One India |date=5 September 2012 |url=https://tamil.oneindia.com/news/2012/09/05/tamilnadu-jaya-orders-stop-demolish-anna-arch-160882.html}}</ref> The road from the arch leads to the roundtana ([[roundabout]]) which is a major landmark and for all practical purposes, the centre of Anna Nagar.

In 2012, the arch was proposed to be demolished to leave way for a flyover that was planned to connect Anna Nagar with Aminjikarai. Demolition work began on 2 September 2012. However, the alignment of the flyover was modified slightly to prevent the removal of the arch, and the arch was restored<ref name="One India Tamil-2012" /> at a cost of {{INR}} 6.4&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news |last=H. Ramakrishnan |first=Deepa |title=New alignment approved for flyover near Anna Arch |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=1 January 2013 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/new-alignment-approved-for-flyover-near-anna-arch/article4259882.ece}}</ref>

=== Anna Nagar Tower ===
{{Main|Anna Nagar Tower Park}}
[[File:Annanagar Tower.jpg|thumb|upright|Anna Nagar Tower]]
The [[Anna Nagar Tower]] is a {{convert|138|ft|m}} tall tower built for the 1968 World Trade Fair, by [[B. S. Abdur Rahman]]. Its main entrance is from the 3rd Main Road and a back entrance from the 6th main road. It is popular with morning walkers and joggers, and with families and young people in the evenings to play and relax. For a nominal fee, one could walk to the top of the tower from where excellent views of the city could be seen. Entry inside the tower has been stopped for the last few years due to safety concerns as there had been a few cases of suicide in the past. The tower and park are now renovated and has a skating rink. Currently, it boasts of a good turnout of children who come in for practising their skills on roller skates. There is also a group of regulars who practice [[silambattam]] – an ancient [[Tamil martial art]] form – here. From atop the tower one can have a panoramic views, and the rapidly changing skyline of the city can be appreciated.

== Transport ==

=== Road ===
Anna Nagar has two bus termini, [[Anna Nagar West]] and Anna Nagar East. The East terminus is located near Anna Nagar Roundtana while the West terminus is situated on the [[Inner Ring Road, Chennai|Inner Ring Road]]. The West terminus is one of the largest bus terminuses in the city. Buses to different parts of the city beginning from the West Terminus.

The roads in Anna Nagar are designed based on a matrix structure similar to roads in developed countries in the [[western world]]; all the roads are laid parallel and perpendicular to each other. In addition, a standardized naming nomenclature is adopted. In Anna Nagar, 2nd, 4th and 6th Avenues run east–west and 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th Avenues run North South. All the streets are interconnected to these avenues. Areas expanded after the formation of the initial 1970 layouts do not follow the standard nomenclature. Auto rickshaws and share autos are also available connecting Anna Nagar to different parts of the city.

=== Anna Nagar Roundtana ===
The Anna Nagar Roundtana located at the intersection of 2nd avenue and 3rd avenue is a sprawling and burgeoning high-scale commercial neighborhood. This was initially developed for the Madras EXPO during the 1970s and was named "Round Turn Over", whose name has colloquially changed to "Roundtana" with the use of Tamil language. It has a wide variety of markets and showrooms in the vicinity such as Croma, [[Tanishq]], [[Bata Corporation|Bata]], etc. and thus is a very important landmark for shoppers.

=== Railway ===
The [[Anna Nagar railway station]] was inaugurated in the year 2003. It is located on the Thirumangalam road, a road that connects Anna Nagar West with [[Villivakkam]]. The railway line stretches for 3.09 kilometers and links Anna Nagar with the [[West Line, Chennai Suburban|Tiruvallur-Chennai]] suburban line. Between 2003 and 2007, five suburban trains were operated from Anna Nagar to [[Chennai Beach railway station|Chennai Beach]] via [[Villivakkam railway station|Villivakkam]]. The station was closed in 2007 for the construction of the [[Padi Junction|Padi elevated rotary]]. However, after the completion of the rotary in 2009, the station remained closed owing to its low patronage. There were plans to reopen the station in 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Train-service-from-Anna-Nagar-to-resume/articleshow/7518360.cms |date=18 February 2011 |newspaper=The Times of India |title=Train service from Anna Nagar to resume |first=V |last=Ayyappan}}</ref> None of them materialised, however.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-downtown/padi-and-anna-nagar-wait-for-rail-link/article4615682.ece |date=14 April 2013 |first=T. |last=Madhavan |work=The Hindu |title=Padi and Anna Nagar wait for rail link |access-date=5 June 2018}}</ref>

=== Metro ===
Anna Nagar metro was inaugurated and started on 14 May 2017. It is the most convenient form of transportation and connects every part of the city. Three underground metro stations, two in Anna Nagar and one in Anna Nagar East, which form a part of the phase 1 metro project. Anna Nagar has 2 metro stations: [[Anna Nagar Tower metro station]] and [[Anna Nagar East metro station]]. Both of these metro stations are underground. They are well managed and maintained. These metro stations have 2 platforms, and their trains have different sections for women specially. These stations have 4 entry and exit points, which makes it accessible in all possible ways.

== Politics ==
[[Anna Nagar (State Assembly Constituency)]] is part of [[Chennai Central (Lok Sabha constituency)]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S22/TN_ACPC.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=11 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081031131000/http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S22/TN_ACPC.pdf |archive-date=31 October 2008}} List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies; 2008-10-08, Tamil Nadu, Election Commission of India</ref>

== 1968 Indian International Trade and Industries Fair ==
The 1968 Indian International Trade and Industries Fair in Anna Nagar was a significant event that showcased India's industrial development after independence. Assembled by the All India Manufacturers Organisation (AIMO), it was planned to be the largest international trade fair in Asia. The fair was initially scheduled to open in 1967 but was pulled back due to political events such as the [[1967 Indian general election in Madras State|1967 Indian general election]] in [[Chennai]].<ref name="migrator-2020">{{Cite web |last=migrator |date=13 September 2020 |title=Those were the days: The international trade fair of 1968 |url=https://www.dtnext.in/city/2020/09/13/those-were-the-days-the-international-trade-fair-of-1968 |access-date=28 February 2025 |website=dtnext.in |language=en}}</ref>

The fair was inaugurated by [[Vice President of India]] [[V. V. Giri|VV Giri]], who lit up a neon sign over the parabolic arch. In spite of the language tensions in the south, the fair went ahead with participation from eleven ministries, 23 public sector companies and private sector industries. The foreign participants were mainly from the East European Communist bloc countries led by the [[U.S.S.R.|USSR]].<ref name="migrator-2020" />

It featured the [[Anna Nagar Tower Park|Anna Nagar Tower]] and seven concrete parabolic arches that astonished visitors with their gravity-defying design. The fair played a crucial role in bringing Anna Nagar into focus and transforming it into a prestigious habitation in Chennai.<ref name="migrator-2020" />

== Location in context ==
{{Geographic Location
| title     = Areas of Chennai
| Northwest = [[Padi, Chennai|Padi]] / [[Korattur]]
| North     = [[Villivakkam]]
| Northeast = [[Ayanavaram]]
| West      = [[Thirumangalam, Chennai|Thirumangalam]] / [[Mogappair]] / [[Anna Nagar West]]
| Centre    = Anna Nagar
| East      = [[Kilpauk]]
| Southwest = [[Koyambedu]]
| South     = [[Arumbakkam]]
| Southeast = [[Shenoy Nagar]] / [[Aminjikarai]]
}}

== References ==
{{Portal|India}}
{{Reflist}}

{{Neighborhoods of Chennai}}
{{Areas of Chennai}}
{{Chennai district}}
{{Chennai topics}}

[[Category:Neighbourhoods in Chennai]]
[[Category:Memorials to C. N. Annadurai]]