Kumaraswamy urges Karnataka government to take over NICE Road, scrap toll

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy has appealed to Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to halt toll collection on the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) Road. The minister cited a High Court ruling that the project is potentially one of the state's largest scams. The NICE Road, also known as the Bengaluru Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project (BMICP), has faced scrutiny for breaching its framework agreement.

In a letter dated August 15, Kumaraswamy requested Shivakumar to cease the unlawful toll collection and take over the project through a new law. In July, a High Court bench stated that the BMICP seemed to be a major scam and warranted an independent assessment. Kumaraswamy identified various violations, including NICE's non-compliance with framework and technical agreements, failure to complete tolled roads, and unlawful toll hikes.

The letter referenced a court statement that the only positive aspect of the NICE project is the expropriation of farmland and livelihoods of generations of farmers without the mandated compensation under Article 300 A of the Constitution. Apart from the High Court, the Supreme Court and a Cabinet sub-committee have previously raised concerns over lapses in the BMICP's implementation.

Shivakumar acknowledged the JD(S) leader's letter but has not yet reviewed it. Regarding NICE Road, Shivakumar stated that they will proceed according to the law when he spoke to reporters.