Bengaluru, August 9: Central Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy has called on drivers to refrain from paying tolls on the NICE Road. He alleges that there have been serious irregularities in the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor project, and that toll collection is being conducted illegally. This project is also known as the NICE project.
Speaking at a press conference held at the JD(S) headquarters, JP Bhavan, Kumaraswamy demanded that the Karnataka government take immediate control of the NICE project and halt toll collection. He emphasized that following recent comments from the Karnataka High Court, the state government can no longer remain silent.
Kumaraswamy has given the government a two-week ultimatum to stop toll collection on the NICE Road, warning that the JD(S) will initiate a major movement if action is not taken. He stated, “The High Court has made serious observations regarding irregularities in the NICE project. The government must intervene immediately to stop the toll collection by the company. If the government fails to act, we will begin our struggle.”
He referenced a ruling by the Karnataka High Court on July 29, which highlighted alleged irregularities in the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor project. According to him, the court remarked that this project appears to be one of the largest scams in the state. The court also suggested that an independent expert team investigate the allegations of fraud and conduct a forensic audit of the project’s accounts.
Kumaraswamy argued that these court comments provide sufficient grounds for the government to take control of the project. He accused the NICE project of violating several terms of the framework agreement established for its implementation.
“The project was supposed to be executed according to the agreement, but NICE has not complied with the rules. The court has labeled it one of Karnataka’s major scams. What more reason does the government need to take control?” he questioned.
He further alleged that over 20,000 acres of land have been amassed under the guise of the NICE project, causing significant harm to thousands of farmers. Many farmers had their land acquired nearly two decades ago, yet some have not received compensation. He claimed that land acquired for the project was later sold or transferred to private parties.
Kumaraswamy also accused NICE of increasing toll rates multiple times without prior approval from the state government. He noted that the government itself informed the court that toll rates were modified without prior consent.
He raised concerns about a construction project near the NICE junction in Hosakerehalli, questioning the legitimacy of a no-objection certificate issued by NICE. He alleged that farmers were removed from the area before a developer sought permission from NICE for construction.
“Whose land is this? Is it NICE’s private property that they can issue NOCs for? How was this NOC granted?” he asked, demanding clarification from the government regarding land ownership and its use, as well as who benefited from these transactions.
Kumaraswamy has urged drivers to avoid paying tolls on the NICE Road starting Saturday. “I appeal to the public not to pay tolls under any circumstances. Stop this exploitation. The people should raise their voices against this project. I call upon the youth and farmers to join the movement,” he said.
He accused the state government of inaction despite the High Court’s remarks, questioning, “Is the government asleep or deliberately ignoring everything?” Kumaraswamy stated that he would write to the government on this matter and await a response. He reiterated that the government has two weeks to halt toll collection.
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