Somewhere in the Chamiers Road area stood Mahbub Bagh. Can you imagine the vibrant gardens that once thrived here? Today we explore Chamiers Road in Chennai. It is a place where history whispers from every corner.
Chamiers Road is more than just a street. It is a journey through time. It reflects Chennai’s evolving identity. The road has a pin code of 600018. Real estate here averages around Rs 15000 per sq-ft. Nearby localities include Kotturpuram and Cenotaph Road.
Once, Mahbub Bagh or Turnbull’s Garden existed here. We know this because Turnbulls Road is nearby. S R Turnbull was likely associated with this property. In 1875, he became the first Captain of the Madras Boat Club. Though Mahbub Bagh cannot be traced now, its legacy lingers.
Chamiers Road has seen name changes. It is now officially Pasumpon Muthuramalingar Thevar Salai. Yet, many still call it by its old name. As one resident, P. Tara, said, Chamiers Road will always remain the same.
Street names carry heritage value. Changing them can erase history. However, some changes are justified. Removing caste references was a positive move. In 1979, the government removed caste suffixes from street names.
British officials also played a role in the city’s development. Some argue their names should be remembered too. New areas can be named after unrecognized Indian contributors.
In the mid-February, the Chennai Corporation began constructing a flyover. This flyover links Cenotaph Road and Turnbulls Road at the junction of Chamiers Road in Nandanam. Gammon India Limited was tasked to complete it in nine months for Rs 14 crore. Originally, the flyover was planned on Chamiers Road itself. A stretch of Chamiers Road became one-way. This helped reduce traffic.
Imagine the bustling activity as the flyover construction began. Metrowater shifted water and sewage lines. This caused temporary closures on Cenotaph and Turnbulls Roads. The corporation worked to minimize traffic problems.
Chamiers Road is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to Chennai’s past. It is a reminder of the people who shaped this city. As you walk along Chamiers Road, remember its layers of history. Consider the gardens, the name changes and the infrastructure developments. They all contribute to its unique story.