Milind Soman leads Hill Highway Run in Idukki

Fitness icon and actor Milind Soman led the “Hill Highway Run” along a scenic stretch of the Kuttikkanam-Puliyanmala hill highway on Sunday (February 22, 2026). The road was constructed through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) at a cost of ₹203.36 crore.

State Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine officially flagged off the run at Kuttikkanam Marian College at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday. Mr. Soman ran a 20-kilometre stretch of the highway from Kuttikkanam to Chappath. Approximately 2,000 runners joined him and successfully completed the 20-kilometre segment.

Speaking to the media, the fitness icon praised the road’s quality. “It is a beautiful, smooth road. It has been constructed to high standards, and the scenic views are the main attraction. Others should conduct similar hill highway runs; Kerala is leading the way. I express my gratitude to KIIFB for inviting me to this program,” said Mr. Soman.

Mr. Augustine noted that the hill highway is a major developmental achievement for the district.

From Chappath, Mr. Soman travelled in an open Multi-Utility Vehicle (MUV) to Irupathekkar, near Kattappana, before resuming his run for the final leg to the Kattappana Municipal Stadium.

The formal inauguration marking the completion of the Kuttikkanam–Puliyanmala hill highway will be held on, Sunday (February 22, 2026). The Public Works Department (PWD) Minister, P.A. Mohammed Riyas, will officially open the highway at the Kattappana Mattappally Perappan Memorial Mini Stadium. Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal and Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine will also attend the function, with Milind Soman as the chief guest.

The 40.05-kilometer Idukki hill highway project was funded by an administrative sanction from KIIFB. Completed in phases, the stretch from Kuttikkanam to Kattappana is now fully operational.