A forgotten mud hill. That’s where our story of GKM Colony begins. GKM Colony in Chennai wasn’t always the residential area we see today. It started as a military practice ground. Soldiers used a small hill of mud for target practice.
This wasn’t just any colony. This was GKM Colony. Named after General Kumaramangalam a former Indian Army Chief of Staff. The colony holds a significant place in Chennai’s history. It was initially built for retired military personnel.
Imagine the transformation. In the early 1970s the military camps were removed. The mud hill was leveled. A new residential area arose from the earth. The name Butt Medu a reference to the old mud hill still echoes in some local memories. It reminds us of GKM Colony’s unique past.
Today GKM Colony thrives. It’s a vibrant community in Perambur. While primarily residential a few commercial establishments have appeared. The colony stretches from Perambur Loco Works railway station towards Villivakkam station. It’s part of the Kolathur constituency.
GKM Colony boasts a diverse range of places of worship. Temples churches and mosques stand side by side. There are even many small Catholic grottos scattered around. Two ponds one between streets 9 and 10 and another between streets 24 and 25 provide a small source of water for the people.
Transportation presents some challenges. Public road transport isn’t well-developed. Residents rely on buses from Villivakkam ICF or Periyar Nagar. A nearby level crossing hinders access from the southwest. The Perambur Loco Works railway station serves the area but other nearby stations like Villivakkam Perambur Carriage Works and Perambur railway station are also easily accessible.
But GKM Colony is more than just buildings and roads. A special feature is a temple dedicated to Dr MGR a former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. It’s the first temple dedicated to an actor in Tamil Nadu. That alone makes GKM Colony unique. The colony also has a family of Anglo-Tamil descent living on 8th street.
GKM Colony is a testament to change and resilience. From a military training ground to a thriving residential neighborhood it tells a story of transformation. It’s a story interwoven with history community and unique traditions. It’s a place where the past shapes the present. A place worth exploring and understanding. This is GKM Colony.