Kuttikkanam-Kattappana stretch of State highway inaugurated

The State has made significant strides in infrastructure development, Public Works Department Minister P.A. Muhammed Riyas has said.

Virtually inaugurating the Kuttikkanam-Kattappana stretch of the State highway on Sunday, Mr. Riyas noted that 60% of the State’s roads have been upgraded to Bituminous Macadam and Bituminous Concrete (BMBC) standards within the last five years.

The State has spent over ₹35,000 crore on road development over the past five years. “Through KIIFB, ₹46,145 crore has been allotted for 528 projects under the PWD’s infrastructure development initiative,” Mr. Riyas said.

Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine, who presided over the function at the Kattappana Mini Stadium, stated that the completion of the hill highway would totally transform the face of Kattappana and the High Range district. “An administrative sanction of ₹36 crore has already been received for the completion of the Kattappana-Puliyanmala stretch of the highway,” Mr. Augustine added.

Fitness icon and Bollywood actor Milind Soman attended as chief guest. He noted that the Kuttikkanam-Kattappana hill highway is one of the best roads in the world and expressed his gratitude to the government for inviting him to participate in the inaugural function. District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt and former Peerumade MLA, E.S. Bijimol were among those who attended the function.

The 40.05-km Idukki hill highway project was funded via KIIFB. Completed in phases, the stretch from Kuttikkanam to Kattappana is now fully operational. The upgrade of this highway has been a long-standing demand of the local population, including settler farmers. Passing through tea plantations and farmlands, the route offers scenic views to travellers. According to tourism stakeholders, the new highway will attract more visitors to destinations such as Vagamon and the British-built CSI Church in Pallikkunnu.