Milind Soman leads Hill Highway Run in Idukki

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

State Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine officially flagged off the breakout at Kuttikkanam Marian College at 7 am on Sunday. Mr. Soman operated the 20-kilometer stretch of the highway from Kuttikkanam to Chappath. Nearly 2,000 runners joined him and successfully completed the 20-kilometer course.

Speaking to the media, the fitness icon praised the quality of the road. Mr. Soman said, “It is a nice, smooth road. It is built to high standards and scenic views are the main attraction. Others should also run similar hill highway services; Kerala is leading the way. I express my gratitude to KIIFB for inviting me for this programme.”

Mr Augustine noted that the hill highway was a major development achievement for the region.

From Chappath, Mr. Soman traveled to Irupathekkar near Kattappana in an open Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MUV) and then continued his run for the final leg to the Kattappana Municipal Stadium.

The official inauguration of the completion of the Kuttikkanam-Puliyanmala hill highway will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Public Works Department (PWD) Minister PA Mohammed Riyas will officially inaugurate the highway at Kattappana Mattappally Perappan Memorial Mini Stadium. Finance Minister KN Balagopal and Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine will also attend the event and Milind Soman will be the chief guest.

The 40.05 kilometer Idukki hill expressway project was financed with administrative sanction from KIIFB. Completed in phases, the line from Kuttikkanam to Kattappana is now fully operational.