HD Kumaraswamy Again Urges Motorists Not to Pay NICE Road Toll

HD Kumaraswamy renewed his NICE Road toll appeal

Motorists are refusing toll payments after his remarks

Toll staff have warned of legal action

A fresh dispute has emerged over toll collection on Bengaluru’s NICE Road, with Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy once again urging motorists not to pay the fee.

Kumaraswamy reiterated his stand at a press conference in Bengaluru, telling motorists not to be afraid even if complaints or FIRs are filed against them. He alleged that the toll collection was being carried out unlawfully and questioned the manner in which toll rates were being increased.

The latest remarks come after his earlier appeal asking people not to pay the NICE Road toll. Since then, several motorists have reportedly been refusing to make payments at toll plazas, leading to arguments between drivers and toll booth employees.

Toll staff, however, have reportedly told motorists that there is no court order or official instruction allowing them to use the road without paying the applicable fee. As the disagreement continues, confrontations have been reported at toll points.

According to reports, motorists from different categories, including car, truck, auto and two wheeler users, have questioned toll payments while citing videos circulating on social media. Toll personnel have attempted to persuade drivers to make the payment as required.

The situation has also prompted toll operators to put up warnings about possible legal action against motorists who refuse to pay. This has added another layer to an already heated dispute over the collection of toll on the road.

Kumaraswamy has directed his criticism at both the NICE organisation and the Karnataka government. He questioned the relationship between the state government and the company and alleged that large sums had already been collected through tolls.

He also questioned Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over the governments handling of the matter and demanded clarity on why toll collection had not been stopped if the alleged irregularities were established.

For motorists, however, the immediate issue remains unclear. While Kumaraswamy is publicly asking them not to pay, toll staff continue to insist that applicable charges must be paid and have warned of action for refusal.

The dispute is therefore continuing on the ground, with motorists and toll employees facing repeated arguments while the larger legal and administrative questions surrounding the NICE Road toll remain unresolved.