NICE project row intensifies as Kumaraswamy releases toll collection figures

Bengaluru: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has stepped up his criticism of the NICE project, claiming that the company has collected nearly ₹5,500 crore from different sources and questioning whether toll collection complied with the original agreement.

Kumaraswamy told reporters that toll revenue alone amounted to ₹4,756 crore from 2008-09 to 2025. He said the project also generated ₹384 crore through land sales and ₹108 crore under a joint agreement.According to Kumaraswamy, the framework agreement signed in 2000 clearly laid down the conditions for implementing the project and indicated that toll collection was linked to completion of the agreed works.

He alleged that the project involved significant changes in land requirements over the years. The original provision for the Peripheral Road was 2,193 acres, but this was later increased to 2,742 acres, he claimed. He also said the project had sought large tracts of land, including 7,555 acres of karab land, while 6,999 acres were sought for the 163-km road. Kumaraswamy alleged that BMICAPA modified the framework agreement on February 12, 2024, without the issue being brought before the Cabinet. He also referred to earlier court proceedings and the Supreme Court’s July 29, 2026 judgment while making his case.

The Union Minister demanded that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar explain the government’s stand on the disputed issues. He alleged that the state government had a role in the arrangements surrounding the project. Kumaraswamy also recalled remarks attributed to T.B. Jayachandra in 2023, when he reportedly questioned the necessity of the NICE road and favoured government takeover. Kumaraswamy said his latest criticism was intended to highlight farmers’ concerns rather than target any individual.

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The Hans India