Wide, meandering routes to fitness

These roads on Old Mahabalipuram Road are favourites for fitness enthusiasts

In every metro, there are roads to which people from other localities drive down, just for a walk. Boat Club Road is a famous example, in Chennai. As the IT Corridor is still an emerging region, it does not have “walking roads” that can be bracketed along with Boat Club Road. But, there are roads on the Corridor that promise to get there someday.

Here’s the top five of them.

1. SEZ Access Road, Karapakkam

Where: From Old Mahabalipuram Road, this road provides a rear-side access to the Sholinganallur IT/ITES Special Economic Zone. It is an extension of the main road, which cuts through the SEZ.

Who: It plays host to a wide range of walkers and runners, including marathoners. A few months ago, K Krishnamurthi, 60 years old, completed a 21-km run in the second edition of Marina Runnerz marathon, with distinction. “Sholinganallur MLA S Aravind Ramesh is among those who walk regularly on this stretch,” says Krishnamurthi. It’s also a popular space for IT professionals who are working towards fitness goals.

Why:

“The road from the main entrance of the SEZ to here is 2.5 kilometres long. Going up and down accounts for 5 kilometres,” says Krishnamurthi. This road is wide, kept tidy. However, due to an ongoing civic work, a part of the extended section is now unusable. The views on either side of the road, especially on the section running through the SEZ, are impressive. This road also provides access to the Pallikaranai marsh.

2. Kumaran Nagar, Semancherry

It branches off OMR. Entering it, one can see a rash of tall buildings, including the towers of DLF Garden City and government-built apartment complexes.

Who: There are many apartment complexes in this region. Some are huge gated communities with a vibrant fitness culture. Many cycling enthusiasts, from these communities, use this road. A well-laid pavement is used by walkers.

Why: This concrete road, which extends to over two kilometres, is wide and ha s a pavement on one side, which is one kilometre long. Taking this road, one can reach Perumbakkam, a reason for some residents of huge residential complexes to use this path for fitness activities.

3. Siruseri SIPCOT Secondary Access Road

Where: Off OMR, this stretch is found bang opposite Padma Adarsh Higher Secondary School in Vaniyanchavadi.

Who: IT professionals living in localities around Siruseri SIPCOT and residents of gated communities in Egattur, Navalur, Kazhipattur and Padur, use this stretch.

Why: Cycling on this wide road that takes a charmingly meandering course can be fun . A few stretches have a touch of green. Walking both ways will account for three kilometres.

4. Veeranam Road, Padur

Where: This road provides access to Jeppiaar SRR Engineering College, a gated community named Pacifica, and a few apartment complexes.

Who: Residents of the communities and complexes found near this road and also those of Padur village, are drawn to it.

Why: From OMR, a section of this road looks arresting, with a lot of embellishments, thanks to the access it provides to a gat ed community. The rest of the road looks ordinary; however, made of concrete, it is good to walk and is calm and peaceful.

5. B-Canal Road, Sholinganallur

Where: It is located off ECR Link Road, which stretches from the Sholinganallur junction on OMR and Akkarai on East Coast Road.

Who: This stretch attracts many running groups and occasional walkers.

Why: It’s cut off from the bustle and can be an ideal practice ground for those preparing for a run.