H.D. Kumaraswamy Urges Karnataka Government to Take Over NICE Road Project

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Sunday urged the Karnataka State government to take over the entire Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor project and immediately halt toll collection on NICE road in Bengaluru, citing recent observations by the Karnataka High Court.

Urging the State government to initiate corrective measures over alleged violations in the execution of the project, the Union Minister stated that the administration should assume control of the infrastructure corridor through appropriate legislation. He stressed that the government must act in accordance with directives from both the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court, as well as recommendations from the Legislative House Committee and Cabinet sub-committee that previously reviewed the project.

Mr. Kumaraswamy noted that the High Court had made strong observations raising serious concerns regarding the overall administration of the project. These observations touched upon the operations of NICE, the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board, and the role played by the State government.

He further demanded an immediate cessation of toll collection on the corridor, pointing out that NICE had raised toll rates without corresponding notifications from the State government. According to the Union Minister, several provisions and conditions outlined in the framework agreements and project technical agreement had been violated during implementation.

Highlighting the plight of local landholders, Mr. Kumaraswamy pointed out that although land had been acquired from farmers in 2003 and 2009, compensation for several affected landowners remains to be determined. He added that proceedings before the Supreme Court had brought to light irregularities concerning land acquisition and alleged that portions of the acquired land were used for purposes beyond the project's stated scope.

Acknowledging receipt of Mr. Kumaraswamy's letter, D.K. Shivakumar stated that the government would adhere strictly to the law regarding the NICE project. He noted that he would review the contents of the letter to determine what actions can be taken within the ambit of the law.