Ashok Nagar was established in 1964 and in 1970, the state government took to development of residential area and shopping complexes to lure buyers, making it a key locality. Even now, it is a prime residential colony in Chennai with bustling restaurants, shopping complexes, offices and residences. At the heart of the locality stands the Ashoka Pillar. This locality is strategically located and provides connectivity to other prime localities include T Nagar, Guindy, West Mambalam, Vadapalini, Nungambakkum and Gemini Flyover.


Connectivity
Ashok Nagar is on the west of Mambalam and is enveloped by Vadapalani on the north, KK Nagar on the west and Saidapet region on the south.
Chennai Airport is 9.1 km drive via NH45 and provides better connectivity to the airport through Ashok Nagar. Mambalam Railway Station is at a mere distance of 2.2 kilometre and connects the stretch from Egmore to Chennai International Airport. Koyambedu bus terminus is five kilometres away.


Real Estate
Sale price of apartments is around Rs 5,300 per sq ft and rental price of these apartments is in the range of Rs 15-35 per sq ft. Commercial space can be rented at a cost of Rs 38-45 per sq sq ft. This locality is majorly a residential area with limited commercial space.
There are 104 ready-to-move-in and four under-construction projects in Ashok Nagar.


Social infrastructure
The Phase-II of Chennai metro is under construction and this will connect Koyambedu to Ashok Nagar and Ashok Nagar to St. Thomas Mount drawing more residents to the area. Ashoka Pillar is an important landmark and stands with pride in the heart of the colony. Some educational institutes here are- Velankanni Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Police Training College, Lotte Lemke School of Arts and Crafts, and Brindavan Institute for Commerce.
Few eateries in the region are- The French Loaf -100 Feet Road and in 4th Avenue, Madras Coffee House, Hotel Karaikudi and Hotel Dindugal Thalapakatti.

Udhayam Theatre complex and ESI hospital emerged in the late 80s and are important landmark. ESI is a known hospital as well.