Kumaraswamy Seeks Halt to NICE Road Toll Collection in Karnataka

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has written to Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, calling for an immediate halt to toll collection on the NICE road and demanding government control over the project.

Kumaraswamy has alleged that toll is being collected without proper authorization and questioned why the state government has not acted despite court directions concerning the Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project.

A major concern raised in his letter is the compensation owed to farmers whose land was acquired for the project. Kumaraswamy claimed that more than two decades have passed since the land acquisition, yet several affected landowners have allegedly not received the compensation due to them.

The Union Minister also raised questions about the implementation of the BMICP project by NICE. According to his allegations, the company has failed to comply with provisions of the Framework Agreement and Project Technical Agreement connected with the project.

He referred to directions contained in Karnataka High Court and Supreme Court decisions, along with recommendations made by legislative and ministerial committees. Kumaraswamy said these records point to violations of conditions associated with the project agreements.

Against this backdrop, Kumaraswamy has asked the state government to stop the toll collection immediately. He has also proposed that Karnataka take over the NICE road project through legislation.

The demand adds another political layer to the long running debate surrounding the NICE corridor, particularly over land acquisition, compensation, toll collection and the terms under which the infrastructure project operates.

Kumaraswamy has urged the chief minister to examine the issues raised in his letter and take action in line with court rulings and committee recommendations. The state government’s response to the demand is now likely to draw attention as the dispute continues.