Have you ever realised where Chennai actually begins? I think about this everytime I see the milestone that reads Chennai 55 Kms or Chennai 131 Kms. Some say it's the distance from Parrys while some say its from the Central station. Here's an account of my task on tracing where Chennai's "0 Kilometer" lies.
An article in The Hindu sometime back clarified my doubt. As per the article, Chennai's Zero Kilometer is located on the Muthusamy Bridge which is at the end of the Poonamallee High Road well after Central station. The P.H Road splits into two, the left takes you to High Court/Parrys while right takes you on the Muthusamy bridge. Geographically, this road is also close to the 3 major roads that Chennai has viz, NH4 (Poonamallee High Road), NH 45 (Mount Road and GST Road) and NH5 (Highway to Calcutta).
This bridge was about 45 minute drive from my house. On my way to the bridge on a crisp Saturday morning drive, I caught a glimpse of few more Chennai xx Kms milestones which would have otherwise gone unnoticed since they are placed among the hustle-bustle of the crowded city road. While on the bridge, it was not hard to spot the milestone that reads "Chennai 0 Kms". I feel this place lacks the importance and grandeur considering this is where Chennai actually begins.
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