Tana Street is a busy shopping street in the middle of Purasaiwakkam, in central Chennai. I found no single official page on the street itself, so this guide combines locality information with business and civic listings. Bus route numbers, timings and shop details are not verified and change often, so please check them locally.
Tana Street Overview
Tana Street is described as the heart of Purasawalkam and one of the busiest streets in Chennai. The neighbourhood is a residential and shopping area, and it is known for shopping after T. Nagar, with a less crowded feel than T. Nagar’s packed streets. Expect heavy foot traffic, two-wheelers, small shops and street vendors, especially on weekends and before festivals.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Street | Tana Street (also spelled Thana Street) |
| Locality | Purasaiwakkam (Purasawalkam, “Purasai”) |
| City | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| PIN code | 600007 on civic listings, though the locality’s main PIN is given as 600084 |
| Type | Commercial and shopping street in a residential area |
| Civic body | Greater Chennai Corporation |
| Nearby roads | Purasawalkam High Road, Millers Road, Brick Kiln Road, Vellalar Street |
| Nearest railway | Egmore, with Chennai Central also nearby |
| Best for | Everyday and festival shopping, jewellery, provisions |
History
Purasawalkam has a long history in Chennai’s early development. In 1799, a British East India Company surgeon, John Underwood, set up the Native Infirmary here, which may be considered India’s first hospital meant solely for the Indian poor. The locality is also tied to the Gangadeeshwarar temple near the Purasawalkam tank. Tana Street grew as the neighbourhood’s market spine, and the shops, schools and places of worship around it reflect the area’s mixed community. I couldn’t find a documented origin for the street’s name.
Location
Tana Street runs through Purasaiwakkam in central Chennai. The locality is on the city’s suburban rail network and several bus routes. Listings give landmarks such as a store on Tana Street opposite an LIC branch office and another business opposite Tana Street Church. A Chennai Middle School is listed at No. 88 on the street. Nearby is Abirami Mega Mall, a multiplex with shops, and colleges such as Chengalvaraya Polytechnic, the Government College of Fine Arts, Guru Shanthi Vijay Jain College for Women and Madras Veterinary College.
Connectivity
- Rail: Egmore is about 2.2 km away, and Chennai Central is also close. Suburban rail links the area to other parts of the city.
- Bus: Chennai’s MTC buses serve Purasawalkam High Road and Millers Road. One news item notes the removal of a bus stop on Millers Road, so check current stops before you travel.
- Metro: Chennai Metro Phase 2 plans a Purasawalkam High Road station on the Central Chennai section, with a Kilpauk interchange, but it is a planned project, so check the current status.
- Airport: Chennai International Airport is on the southern side of the city, and a cab is the easiest option.
- Auto and cab: Autos and app cabs are common. Traffic is dense near the street, so drop-offs at the ends are usually quicker.
Route
- From Egmore: Take an auto or bus toward Purasawalkam, about 2 km.
- From Chennai Central: Take a cab or bus via Pallavan Salai or Periyamet toward Purasawalkam High Road.
- From Kilpauk and Vepery: A short drive via Purasawalkam High Road.
- From the airport: A cab through central Chennai, with extra time on weekdays.
- Last stretch: Park off the main road if you can and walk in, as the street is crowded.
Facilities and Amenities
- Shopping: Listings show provision stores and jewellers on Tana Street, plus the general retail typical of a busy Chennai market street.
- Education: Many schools and colleges in the locality.
- Worship: Temples, churches and mosques are nearby.
- Banks and ATMs: Branches and ATMs around the High Road and Tana Street area.
- Food: Tiffin shops, bakeries, juice stalls and small restaurants.
- Parking: Limited, so expect to use side streets or nearby lots.
- Healthcare: Clinics and pharmacies are close, with larger hospitals in Egmore and Kilpauk.
Why Visit Tana Street?
- To shop on a busy, traditional Chennai street without T. Nagar’s biggest crowds
- To buy everyday goods, jewellery and festival items
- To explore Purasawalkam’s heritage, including the Gangadeeshwarar temple
- To combine a visit with Abirami Mega Mall, Egmore and Kilpauk
- To see a typical working Chennai neighbourhood market
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings and early afternoons are calmer. Evenings and weekends are busiest, and festival periods such as Diwali and Pongal draw very heavy crowds. From November to February Chennai’s weather is cooler. The monsoon, roughly October to December, can bring waterlogging, so check conditions first.
FAQ
Where is Tana Street?
In Purasaiwakkam, central Chennai, PIN 600007 on civic listings.
What is it known for?
It’s the heart of Purasawalkam and one of Chennai’s busiest streets, with shops and local businesses.
Which railway station is nearest?
Egmore, about 2 km away, with Chennai Central also close.
Is there a metro?
A Purasawalkam High Road station is part of Phase 2 plans, so check whether it is open yet.
Is parking available?
It’s limited, so use public transport or park on a side street.
When are the crowds worst?
Evenings, weekends and festival seasons.
Is it safe for visitors?
It’s a busy public area, so keep valuables secure in crowds.
