Ashok Nagar is a residential locality situated at the southern part of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It was established in 1964. At the heart of this colony, stands the Ashok Pillar. This four lion head stump, resembles the one erected by king Ashoka during the 3rd century BC at Sanchi. To promote this suburban locality, the Tamil Nadu Housing Board constructed flats during the 1970s for middle-income group, covering an area of 7 sq km including the neighbourhood of K. K. Nagar. The next major infrastructure was shopping complex constructed near Pillar in 1974. Banks, Ration shop, Grocery stores, urban development office were started functioning here. Followed by it was inauguration of Anna Community hall and sports club. In the early 1980s, Udhayam Theatre complex and ESI hospital emerged. More government schools and additional transport facilities added credits to this colony and now Ashok Nagar has become established as a well-connected urban neighbourhood with great institutions, commercials, banks, luxury flats, bungalows, parks, hotels, restaurants, worship places, entertainment halls and more.
There is an intra-city connectivity from Ashok Nagar. Government city buses and share autos commutes to North, Mid and South Chennai. There is a Metro station, opposite Udayam. It is the tallest metro station in Chennai and has been planned with 4 floors of shopping area. The area is one of the well-planned localities in Chennai, with broad roads and road-numbering system.
Little Flower Matriculation Higher Secondary School
Jawahar Higher Secondary School
JRK Matriculation Higher Sec School
Vidhayaniketan Matriculation Higher Secondary School
Places of worship
Ashoknagar Anjaneya Bhaktha Sabai
Sri Karumari Amman Kovil
Sri Navasakthi Vinayagar Aalayam
Sri Navasakthi Kaaliamman Thirukkovil
Sri Sidhthi Vinayagar Thirukkovil
Sri Nagathamman Kovil
Sri Mallikeshwarar Temple
Sri Swarnapoorishwarar Shiva Temple
CSI Church of Victorious Cross
Ashok Nagar Islamic Mosque
Madras Kali Bari
Entertainment
The Udhayam Multiplex cinema with 4 screens is at Pillar junction. Also close by at Vadapalani are the Kamala, AVM Rajeswari, SSR Pangajam theatres Palazzo and Inox. Kasi theatre is at Ekattuthangal, about 5 min walk from Udhayam. Sangamam, is a 10-day music & dance festival conducted across Chennai during the month of January. Ashok Nagar corporation park is one of the venue that hosts this festival.
Play areas
The corporation park is situated near pillar junction. This park has track for walking and a small play area for kids. It is well maintained with cleanliness and toilet facilities. Visitors should park their vehicles outside. Park timings are morning between 5 am and 9 am, evening between 4 pm and 9 pm. Chennai corporation's elected council gave the green signal to Metro Rail for taking over the 4,246 square metres of Corporation park in Ashok Nagar. Kids play park at 12th Avenue is a compact play area for kids below 10. Park timings are morning between 5am and 9am, evening between 4 pm and 9 pm. This park is also called as 5E park. The Manthope Colony Cricket ground located near Manthope Colony has many unofficial sports clubs. A Tennikoit and Badminton courts are there. Elders and Youths team up for match early mornings and weekends. Football is played in the evenings by many groups. This ground has flood lights which are lit up during evenings daily. Football is primarily played after 5 pm Pudhur High School Ground is another spot where many cricket pitches are made on weekends.