Arakkonam is a mid-sized town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu with a population of about 79029(2011). This town is located in the Vellore district about 70km(Via rail) from the state capital of Chennai. The name of the town is believed to have been derived from the Tamil word Aaru konam meaning hexagon(ancient name was arunthamizh kundram), since it has six important places on its six sides. Nearby towns include Kanchipuram, Tiruttani, Tiruvalangadu and Sholingur. Arakkonam is one of the important railway junctions in South India.
Tamil & Telugu is the language spoken by most. Hindi is also spoken, due to the presence of military establishments.
Arakkonam is also one of the biggest junctions in Southern Railway. In fact,the unique sounds associated with the railways are part and parcel of the life of people residing here. Even common men, not associated with railways, know many technical terms used by the railway men!. The town boasts of having one of the biggest workshops of the railways, known as Engineering Workshop (EWS).
Arakkonam boasts of having the longest runway in South Asia (4500 meters) at INS Rajali, a naval Air base of the Indian Navy. MRF tyres, Ramco cements, L&T cements, TVS have their plants in the town.
Arakkonam boasts of having the longest runway in South Asia (4500 meters) at INS Rajali, a naval Air base of the Indian Navy. MRF tyres, Ramco cements, L&T cements, TVS have their plants in the town.
Andrew’s High School, in the center of the town, is one of the oldest schools in India. It has recently celebrated 150th anniversary! Nearly 4000 students study in this school
Arakkonam is an Indian Parliamentary constituency and is also a Tamil Nadu state assembly constituency.
MLA – AIADMK candidate Su. Ravi
MP – DMK candidate S. Jegathratchagan
Arakkonam is also called as “Arakonam”. It is supposed to be one of the hottest towns (next to Vellore), where the mercury can cross 110 degree Fahrenheit for several days in peak of the summer.
Demographics
As of 2011 India census Arakonam had a population of 79029. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Arakonam has an average literacy rate of 80%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 54% of the males and 46% of females literate. 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.