Evolution and history of T. Nagar

 Evolution and history of T. Nagar 

When Justice Party came to power, Madras Presidency Government as part of its town planning activities initiated the set up of a modern town, Thyagaraya Nagar, in 1923.

T Nagar in Chennai is one amongst the oldest located habited. As a bustling trade and shopping hub, it ably complements the city of Chennai, which is the capital of the Tamil Nadu state in South India.. While initially conceived as a residential hub, T Nagar has grown to be a commercial nerve Centre organically.

T. Nagar is believed to be the first planned urban neighborhood in Chennai created in 1920, conceived in a European style, with the Panagal Park resembling the Arc De Triomphe and the Pondy Bazaar Initially built as a residential neighbourhood, it is now considered the largest shopping district in India by revenue. It is known for its plethora of saree and jewellery retailers, including Pothys, Nalli Silks and Saravana Stores. The neighbourhood is served by Mambalam railway station of the Chennai Suburban Railway Network. T. Nagar is considered one of the city's major central business districts, the other being Parry's Corner, the centre of the city. Pondy Bazaar serves as a satellite commercial hub for T. Nagar, located around the Thyagaraya Road. 

Radio news broadcast & Vegetable market:

People from various parts of Madras used to gather everyday for 7.15 radio news broadcasted in the public radio at Panagal Park. Adjacent to the park functioned a vegetable market, fondly called – ‘London Market'. The 50-odd shops sold vegetables of local and foreign origin between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m

Every boss started as a worker:

T.nagar has given lot of opportunities for workers, It has been useful for Many labor mainly in  Ranganathan street.

 Ranganathan Street is a major commercial street in the neighborhood of T. Nagar, located in Chennai, India. It is one of the most crowded streets in the world. The street houses several commercial establishments, primarily those involved in the clothing and jewelry industry. It has often been referred to as the most crowded street in Chennai.

Ranganathan Street ought to have been named Rangaswamy Iyengar Street after the first resident of that street.

Society & Pondy bazaar:

T. Nagar residents are an unusual mix of the traditional and the modern and this is reflected in the way the neighbourhood has been growing. Several new eateries have come up while at the same time, traditional restaurants are also packed. With the city extending its bed-time more every year, the locality has acquired a reputation of always being in the fast lane. The grand textile showrooms close very late at night, and their hoarding boards constantly illuminate the roads.

Renovation:

For most Chennaiites, Pondy Bazaar brings back fond childhood memories. Walking past hawkers selling everything from glass bangles and flowers to toys and sundal, making a pitstop at Rathna Stores where your mother shopped for utensils, followed by a visit to Balaji Bhavan for piping hot idli and coffee. If you visit today, Pondy Bazaar bears a new, vibrant look.

Going forward:

While the project is a step in the right direction to make our cities inclusive and more liveable, it’s too early to take a call on the project’s success. Citizens need to be sensitized on the benefits of such projects and taught to play an equal role in infrastructure maintenance. Following road rules, not littering, and ensuring play areas and bollards aren’t vandalised is a start. As for officials, good maintenance of the plaza and on-time completion of additional features will prove whether the city is ready for similar initiatives in future.