NICE Road Toll Plazas See Clashes as Motorists Refuse Payment After HDK's Call

Confusion over toll payments on the NICE Road in Bengaluru has triggered daily confrontations between motorists and plaza staff, with drivers refusing to pay after Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy urged the public not to pay the fee for using the corridor.

Toll plaza employees reported that confrontations have surged over the past week. Two-wheeler riders, car owners, truck drivers, and auto rickshaw drivers have all engaged in disputes with booth operators. Many commuters have been showing video clips circulating on social media to argue that toll collection on the stretch is illegal and that the High Court had barred the company from levying charges.

In response to the growing tensions, NICE authorities have put up notices at toll plazas clarifying that no court order exists directing the company to stop toll collection. Officials emphasised that violating a court order would amount to contempt of court, and stated that the company is legally authorised to collect user fees.

The disputes follow statements made by Kumaraswamy, who alleged that the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project appeared to be one of Karnataka's biggest scams. Calling for the state government to take over the entire project, the Union Minister urged motorists to stop paying tolls, alleging that the firm was illegally collecting charges and revising rates beyond the prescribed framework.

NICE officials stated that some motorists have been deliberately creating trouble at toll plazas by citing social media videos and threatening staff with police complaints. The management warned that anyone evading toll payments or harassing booth staff would face legal action.

Authorities also clarified the rules regarding toll exemptions on the road, reiterating that only land losers holding valid passes, elected representatives, judges, and designated dignitaries are legally exempt from paying the user fees.