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{{Short description|Proposed state highway in Kerala, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox road
| country = IND
| type = SH
| state = Kerala
| route = 59
| alternate_name = SH-59
| map = {{Maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-width=300|frame-height=300|frame-align=center|type=line|id=Q5762158| stroke-width=3|title=StateHighway 59}}
| map_custom = yes
| map_notes = SH 59 highlighted in red
| spur_type =
| spur_of =
| photo = State Highway 59 in Elappara (7 Apr 2023).jpg
| maint = [[Kerala Public Works Department]]
| length_km = 1332.16
| length_notes = 
| established =
| allocation =
| direction_a = North
| terminus_a = Nandarapadavu 
| junction = 
{{plainlist|
*{{jct|state=Kerala|SH|56|country=IND}} in Pathinettam Mile
*{{jct|state=Kerala|SH|30|country=IND}} in [[Vallithode]]
*{{jct|state=Kerala|NH|766|country=IND}} in [[Kalpetta]]
*{{jct|state=Kerala|SH|29|country=IND}} in [[Meppadi]]
*{{jct|state=Kerala|SH|28|SH|39|country=IND}} in [[Nilambur]]
*{{jct|state=Kerala|NH|544|country=IND}} in [[Palakkad]]
*{{jct|state=Kerala|SH|58|country=IND}} in [[Kollengode, Palakkad|Kollengode]]
*{{jct|state=Kerala|SH|21|country=IND}} in [[Vettilappara]]
*{{jct|state=Kerala|NH|85|SH|16|country=IND}} in [[Neriamangalam]]
*{{jct|state=Kerala|SH|19|country=IND}} in Myladumpara
*{{jct|state=Kerala|SH|40|SH|41|country=IND}} in [[Nedumkandam]]
*{{jct|state=Kerala|SH|33|country=IND}} in [[Puliyanmala]]
*{{jct|state=Kerala|NH|183|country=IND}} in [[Kuttikkanam]]
*{{jct|state=Kerala|NH|744|country=IND}} in [[Punalur]]
}}
*{{jct|state=Kerala|SH|2|country=IND}} in [[Kulathupuzha]]
*{{jct|state=Kerala|SH|45|country=IND}} in [[Vithura]]
*{{jct|state=Kerala|SH|3|country=IND}} in [[Aryanad]]
| direction_b = South
| terminus_b = {{jct|state=Kerala|NH|66|country=IND}} in [[Parassala]] 
| districts = [[Kasaragod]], [[Kannur]], [[Wayanad]], [[Kozhikode]], [[Malappuram]], [[Palakkad]], [[Thrissur]], [[Ernakulam]], [[Idukki]], [[Kottayam]], [[Pathanamthitta]], [[Kollam]], [[Thiruvananthapuram]]
| previous_type = SH
| previous_route = 58 
| next_type = SH
| next_route = 60 
}}

The '''Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod Hill Highway''' or '''State Highway 59''' (SH-59) or '''Malayora Highway''' as it is known in the state of [[Kerala]] is a proposed state highway. Upon completion, it will be the longest highway in Kerala, extending from Nandarapadavu in [[Kasaragod district]] to [[Parassala]] in [[Thiruvananthapuram district]], at a length of 1332.16 km. The highway will pass through 13 of the 14 districts, the exception being [[Alappuzha district|Alappuzha]] as that district is not part of the hilly ranges of Kerala.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Delay in getting Forest dept. approvals slows down Hill Highway work|language=en|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/delay-in-getting-forest-dept-approvals-slows-down-hill-highway-work/article33814668.ece|access-date=2021-03-10}}</ref>

The highway which is under early stages of construction would pass through areas including [[Bandadka]], [[Malom]], [[Chittarikkal]], [[Cherupuzha (Kannur)|Cherupuzha]], [[Alakode, Kannur district|Alakode]], [[Payyavoor]], [[Ulikkal]], [[Mananthavady]], [[Kalpetta]], [[Thiruvambady]], [[Nilambur]], [[Karuvarakundu]], [[Pookkottumpadam]], [[Edakkara]], [[Palakkad]], [[Pattikkad, Thrissur|Pattikkad]], [[Neriamangalam]], [[Kattappana]], [[Mundakayam]], [[Erumely]], [[Ranni, Kerala|Ranni]], [[Konni, India|Konni]], [[Koodal]], [[Vazhathope]], [[Pathanapuram]], [[Punalur]], [[Anchal]], [[Kulathupuzha]], [[Madathara]], [[Palode]], [[Vithura]], [[Aryanadu]], [[Vellarada]] etc. This highway will pass through 13 out of the 14 districts in Kerala state. Between [[Kannur district|Kannur]] and [[Malappuram district|Malappuram]] districts, this highway will have two parallel routes, one through [[Wayanad district]] and another through [[Kozhikode district]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-economy/Hill-highway-to-boost-Keralas-rural-economy/article20265700.ece|title=Hill highway to boost Kerala's rural economy|website=@businessline|date=26 January 2005 }}</ref>

Development of highway-59 in Kerala is proposed in two phases. First phase involved selection of most feasible route between [[Kasaragod district|Kasaragod]] and [[Palakkad]] Districts. The [[National Transportation Planning and Research Centre]](NATPAC) has already undertaken detailed investigation and finalised the alignment for Phase I of Hill Highway. Implementation of the same is in progress in the northern region of [[Kerala]]. In the second stage possible alternative routes for developing into Hill Highway between [[Palakkad]] and [[Thiruvananthapuram]] Districts are identified. Field studies and environmental screening of the project were completed and NATPAC submitted the report to Government on 21-05-2009. Government have approved the alignment on 6-7-2009 and issued Government order vide GO (MS) No.44/2009/PWD dated 6-7-2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2013/sep/23/dpr-of-hill-highway-likely-in-3-months-520718.html|title=DPR of hill highway likely in 3 months|website=The New Indian Express|date=23 September 2013 }}</ref> It is also called as "Kerala's Spice route"<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/Alignment-for-hill-highway-finalised/article16605640.ece|title=Alignment for hill highway finalised|newspaper=The Hindu |date=30 May 2009|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>

==Complete alignment==
{| class="sortable wikitable"
|-
|'''Sl.No'''
|'''District'''
|'''Alignment'''
|'''Length'''
|'''Remarks'''
|-
|1
|[[Kasaragod district|Kasaragod]]
|'''Stretch 1''' '''Nandarapadav - Chevar'''
[[Nandarapadav]], Sunkathakatte, [[Paivalike]], Chevar

'''Stretch 2''' '''Chevar - Edapparambu'''

Chevar, [[Angadimogaru]], [[Puthige, Kasaragod|Puthige]], Idiyadukka ([[Perla, Kasaragod|Perla]]), [[Badiyadka]], [[Mulleria, Kasaragod|Mulleria]], Padiyathadukka, Athanadi, Edapparamba

'''Stretch 3''' '''Edapparambu - [[Kolichal]]'''

Edapparamba, Pandi, Pallanchi, Sankarambadi, [[Paduppu]], [[Bandadka]], Manadukkam, [[Kolichal]]

'''Stretch 4''' '''[[Kolichal]] - District boundary near [[Cherupuzha (Kannur)|Cherupuzha.]]'''

[[Kolichal]], Pathinettam Mile, Chully, [[Malom]], [[Chittarikkal]]
|128 km
|
|-
|2
|Kannur
|[[Cherupuzha (Kannur)|Cherupuzha]]. [[Manjakad]], [[Alakode, Kannur district|Alakode]], [[Karuvanchal]], [[Thavukunnu]], [[Naduvil]], [[Chemperi]], [[Payyavoor]], [[Ulikkal]], [[Vallithode]], [[Anappanthy]], [[Karikkottakary]], [[Edoor]], [[Aralam]], [[Kappukadavu]], [[Perumbunna]], [[Madapurachal]], [[Manathana]], [[Kanichar]], [[Kelakam, India|Kelakam]], [[Kottiyoor]], [[Ambayathode]], Boy's Town (continues to [[Wayanad district]])
|109 km
|
|-
|3
|Kozhikode
| '''Stretch 1''' Chunkakutty - Kakkadampoyil

Thottilppalam, Mullankunnu, Chavaramuzhi Bridge, Peruvannamuzhi, Chakkittapara, Koorachundu, Kallanod, Thalayad, Kattippara, Malapuram, Kodanchery, Nellipoyil, Pulloorampara, Koodaranji, Kakkadampoyil

'''Stretch 2''' Marippuzha - Pulloorampara

Wayanad Tunnel - Muthappanpuzha - Anakkampoyil - Pulloorampara
|110 km
|
|-
|4
|Wayanad
|'''Stretch 1''' Boy's Town, [[Mananthavady]], [[Panamaram]], [[Kalpetta]], [[Meppadi]], Kalladi Wayanad Tunnel

'''Stretch 2''' Boy's Town - Valad - Niravilpuzha - Pakramthalam Churam
|96 km
|-
|5
|Malappuram
| Akampadam, [[Nilambur]], Pookkottumpadam, Kalikavu, Karuvarakundu,Melattur, Ucharakkadavu
|101 km
|
|-
|6
|Palakkad
| Kanjirampara, Alanallur, Bheemanad, Kottopadam, Kumaram, Puttur, Mannarkadu, Chandranagar (Palakkad Town), Kalligal, Puthunagaram, Kollenkode, Nenmara, Vadakkenchery
|130 km
|
|-
|7
|Thrissur
|[[Pattikkad, Thrissur|Pattikkad]], [[Vilangannoor]], [[Mannamangalam]], [[Pulikkanny]], [[Palappilly]], [[Nayattukundu]], [[Vellikulangara]], [[Randukai]], [[Athirappilly|Vettilappara]]
|60 km
|
|-
|8
|Ernakulam
|[[Vettilappara]], Adivaram, Kadappara, Ellithodu, Chettinada, Pannamkuzhi, Payal, Kottapadi, Chelladu, Ughipara, [[Nadukani]], [[Neriamangalam]], Arrammile Elamblassery
|104 km
|
|-
|9
|[[Idukki]]
|Kurathikudi, Perubankuth, [[Mankulam (Kerala)|Mankulam]], Kallar, Eruttukanam, Kunjithanni, [[Rajakkad]], [[Thinkalkadu]], Myladumpara, [[Nedumkandam]], Puliyanmala, [[Kattappana]], [[Elappara]], [[Kuttikkanam]], [[Mundakayam]]
|166 km
|
|-
|10
|Kottayam
|[[Mundakayam]], [[Erumely]], [[Placheri]]
|24 km
|
|-
|11
|Pathanamthitta
| [[Ranni, Kerala|Ranni]], [[Kumbazha]], [[Konni, India|Konni]], [[Koodal]]
|46 km
|
|-
|12
|[[Kollam district|Kollam]]
|[[Pathanapuram]], [[Piravanthoor]], [[Punalur]], [[Karavaloor]], [[Anchal]], [[Kulathupuzha]], [[Madathara]],
|64 km
|
|-
|13
|Thiruvananthapuram
|[[Madathara]], [[Palode]], [[Thennoor|Thenoor]], [[Vithura]], [[Aryanadu|Aryanad]], [[Kuttichal]], [[Amboori]], [[Vellarada]], [[Karakonam|Karakkonam]], [[Parassala]]

|75 km
|
|}

== History ==
The idea of a hill highway through [[Kasaragod district]](then part of [[Kannur district]]) and nearby districts hill areas to improve market access of farmers was first mooted by ''Joseph Kanakamotta'' who formed Kasaragod District Hill Area Development Committee. He proposed the plan for a hill highway in 1960 and it didn't receive much support at initial years. In the District Development Council meeting held at Kannur in 1966 first approval for the project came through. In 1987 there was an announcement abandoning the project.<ref>{{Cite web|title=DPR of hill highway likely in 3 months|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2013/sep/23/dpr-of-hill-highway-likely-in-3-months-520718.html|access-date=2020-12-29|website=The New Indian Express|date=23 September 2013 }}</ref> However the [[Government of Kerala]] approved the project and funds were allocated for the same in 2005 and the same year on 17 January 2005, then [[Chief minister of Kerala]] [[Oommen Chandy]] inaugurated the first phase of the project between Kasaragod and Palakkad at a function held in [[Payyavoor]].<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff Reporter|date=2020-03-03|title=Joseph Kanakamotta, the man behind hill highway, is no more|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/joseph-kanakamotta-the-man-behind-hill-highway-is-no-more/article30966821.ece|access-date=2020-12-29|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

== Status of progress ==
Finalizing alignment of the project and getting clearances from forest department faced huge delays. In September 2016 [[Detailed Project Report]] for just 79 km from proposed 1229 km was only completed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hill Highway in Kerala; DPR ready for just 79 kms|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/hill-highway-in-kerala-dpr-ready-for-just-79-kms-english-news-1.1353756|access-date=2020-12-29|website=Mathrubhumi|date=13 September 2016 |language=en}}</ref> The project comprises 40 reaches and in 7 reaches it is planned with less than 12 metre width. As of 2020, works on 21 reaches spread across [[Thiruvananthapuram district|Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Kollam district|Kollam]], [[Kozhikode district|Kozhikode]], [[Kannur district|Kannur]], [[Kasaragod district]]s are in progress.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Land takeover makes going tough for highway projects|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2020/aug/18/land-takeover-makes-going-tough-for-highway-projects-2184776.html|access-date=2020-12-29|website=The New Indian Express|date=18 August 2020 }}</ref>

In March 2020, a 46 km stretch of hill highway in [[Kollam district]] between [[Punalur]] and Agasthyacode (near [[Anchal]]) and between Alencherry (near [[Anchal]]) and Challimukku (near [[Kollayil (village)|Kollayil]] on [[Kollam district|Kollam -]] [[Thiruvananthapuram district|Thiruvananthapuram]] district border) got completed.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff Reporter|date=2020-02-15|title=Hill Highway work nearing completion|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/hill-highway-work-nearing-completion/article30831738.ece|access-date=2020-12-29|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff Reporter|date=2020-03-15|title=Construction of Hill Highway protection walls complete|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/construction-of-hill-highway-protection-walls-complete/article31076429.ece|access-date=2020-12-29|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

In August 2020, works on 35 km stretch of the highway in [[Kozhikode district]] between [[Kodencheri]] and [[Kakkadampoyil]] at a width of 12 m was inaugurated by Minister of Public Works Department. The works are done by [[Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society]].<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff Reporter|date=2020-08-11|title=Work on Hill Highway to begin today|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kozhikode/work-on-hill-highway-to-begin-today/article32321197.ece|access-date=2020-12-29|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The works on [[Thottilpalam]] - Thalayad stretch is facing opposition from land owners.<ref>{{Cite web|agency=TNN|date=Jan 28, 2020|title=Hill Highway plan may take off soon {{!}} Kozhikode News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/hill-highway-plan-may-take-off-soon/articleshow/73675550.cms|access-date=2020-12-29|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

The [[Detailed Project Report]] for project in [[Kasaragod district]] was submitted with a length of 128 km through the district in January 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff Reporter|date=2018-01-04|title=Kasaragod ready with hill highway report|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kasaragod-ready-with-hill-highway-report/article22369482.ece|access-date=2020-12-29|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> As of August 2020, the works in first stretch of the project in [[Kasaragod district]] between Nandarapadavu and Chevar are nearing completion and works on other stretches are in progress.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff Reporter|date=2020-08-01|title=First stretch of Hill Highway to be opened by August-end|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/first-stretch-of-hill-highway-to-be-opened-by-august-end/article32244521.ece|access-date=2020-12-29|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The project in district through Pandu Forest near [[Adoor (Kasaragod)]] delayed much due to approval from Forest department.

The works in [[Thiruvananthapuram district]] commenced in 2018 at [[Parassala (State Assembly constituency)|Parassala constituency]] in two reaches [[Parassala]] - [[Kudappanamoodu]] Reach 1 and [[Kudappanamoodu]] - Paruthipalli reaches.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Radhakrishnan|first=S. Anil|date=2018-10-15|title=Hill Highway works begin in Thiruvananthapuram|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/hill-highway-works-begin-in-thiruvananthapuram/article25222257.ece|access-date=2020-12-29|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> As of 2020, the works on Reach 1 is stalled and works in Reach 2 is moving in a very slow pace. In 2021 February, the works on 15.7 km Reach-1 between [[Parassala]] - [[Kudappanamoodu]] was re-tendered since the contractor to whom it was awarded initially had died due to [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=First reach of Parassala-Kallikadu highway inching closer to reality|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2021/mar/08/first-reach-of-parassala-kallikaduhighway-inching-closer-to-reality-2273610.html|access-date=2021-03-10|website=The New Indian Express|date=8 March 2021 }}</ref> The new contract was awarded to [[Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Survey for tarring first stretch of hill highway begins|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2021/mar/09/survey-for-tarring-first-stretch-of-hill-highway-begins-2274066.html|access-date=2021-03-10|website=The New Indian Express|date=9 March 2021 }}</ref> The works on 7.85 km-long [[Kudappanamoodu]] -[[Kallikkad]] stretch and the 3.90 km-long [[Kallikkad]]-Paruthippally stretch commenced simultaneously. By 2023-2024, the stretch between [[Aryanadu]] and [[Parassala]] got completed.

In [[Wayanad district]] as of February 2021, the land acquisition from [[tea estate]]s on a 13 km stretch between [[Meppadi]] and Chooralmala is pending.<ref>{{Cite web|title=എസ്റ്റേറ്റ് ഭൂമി വിട്ടുകിട്ടിയില്ല; മലയോര ഹൈവേ നിര്‍മാണം ഇഴയുന്നു; പ്രതിസന്ധി|url=https://www.manoramanews.com/news/kerala/2021/02/22/construction-of-hill-highway-in-wayanad-district.html|access-date=2021-03-12|website=Manoramanews|date=22 February 2021 |language=en}}</ref> The part of hill highway connecting hill highway of [[Wayanad district]] with [[Malappuram district]] i.e. the Aranappuzha - Munderi stretch passes through forest 7 km of forest land.<ref>{{Cite web|agency=TNN|date=Sep 13, 2019|title=Natural calamities likely to affect hill highway project {{!}} Kozhikode News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/natural-calamities-likely-to-affect-hill-highway-project/articleshow/71103251.cms|access-date=2021-03-12|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> This area is ecologically sensitive and was impacted severely by [[2019 Kerala floods]] and approval from [[Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department|Forest Department]] is still pending in this stretch.<ref>{{Cite web|author=T. P. Nijeesh|date=Mar 20, 2019|title=Wayanad-Nilambur road: Survey of forestland begins {{!}} Kozhikode News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/wayanad-nilambur-road-survey-of-forestland-begins/articleshow/68488883.cms|access-date=2021-03-12|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

== Advantages ==
The hill highway can benefit the hilly regions of Kerala immensely. It will help boost [[Tourism in Kerala|tourism]], improve connectivity and transportation, easy market access to farmers from the hilly regions, relief measures during disasters etc.<ref>{{Cite web|agency=TNN|date=Jan 10, 2017|title=Hill, coastal areas to get better roads {{!}} Thiruvananthapuram News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/hill-coastal-areas-to-get-better-roads/articleshow/56462863.cms|access-date=2021-03-12|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Though there are apprehensions that this project has ecological impacts, the benefits and value that it brings to people living in high range areas is tremendous.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Work on coastal, hill highways to begin on November 1|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2017/09/12/coastal-hill-highways-to-begin-work-on-november-1.html|access-date=2021-03-12|website=OnManorama}}</ref> In [[Nilambur]] region it will help people access [[Mysore]] bypassing the [[Bandipur National Park|Bandipur night travel ban]] through [[Mananthavady]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-03|title=Why Wayanad is protesting permanent closure of highway through Bandipur Tiger Reserve|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/highway-versus-forest-kerala-karnataka-highway-traffic-ban-6049679/|access-date=2021-03-12|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

==Budget support==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! No !! Financial Year !! Amount outlay (Rs) !! Amount spend (Rs)<ref>{{Cite web| title=Thirteenth Kerala Legislative Assembly Fifteenth Session | language=ml | url=http://niyamasabha.org/codes/13kla/session_15/ans/u01384-031215-843000000000-15-13.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202001407/http://niyamasabha.org/codes/13kla/session_15/ans/u01384-031215-843000000000-15-13.pdf | archive-date=2017-02-02}}</ref>
|-
| 1 || 2012–13 || Nil || Nil
|-
| 2 || 2013–14 || 82.37 lakh || 6.23 cr
|-
| 3 || 2014–15 || 82.37 lakh || 8.98 cr
|-
| 4 || 2015–16 || 9.06 crore || 7.35 cr
|}

==External links==
* {{Cite web| title=Order | language=ml | url=http://keralapwd.gov.in/intranet/compRepository/mediagallery/PublicGO/hill_highway_GO.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721160233/http://keralapwd.gov.in/intranet/compRepository/mediagallery/PublicGO/hill_highway_GO.pdf | archive-date=2011-07-21}}
* [https://www.kiifb.org/includes/fileViewer.jsp?fmde=res&did=329&fname=KIIFB-NL-AUGUST2023-V6.8.pdf&dPrfx=NL KIIFB Newsletter vol. 6.8 - August 2023]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250531180530/https://www.kiifb.org/includes/fileViewer.jsp?fmde=res&did=329&fname=KIIFB-NL-AUGUST2023-V6.8.pdf&dPrfx=NL|date=31 May 2025 }}

== See also ==
* [[Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod Coastal Highway]]
* [[List of state highways in Kerala]]
* [[Main Central Road]]
*[[Waterways transport in Kerala]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Kerala State Highways Network}}
{{osmrelation-inline|5671426}}

{{coord missing|Kerala}}

[[Category:State highways in Kerala]]

Hill Highway - Revision history

Swebsexilm at 06:21, 29 March 2026