Pointing out at the recent observations of the Karnataka High Court about the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor project by NICE, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Sunday urged the State government to take over the entire NICE road project even as Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that the government would adhere to the law with respect to the project.

Urging the State government to initiate corrective measures over several alleged violations in the implementation of the project, the Union Minister reiterated that the toll collection on NICE road in Bengaluru should be immediately halted, and the government should take over the NICE project through appropriate legislation.

“The State government should act in accordance with the directions and observations of the Karnataka High Court and Supreme Court, as well as the recommendations of the Legislative House Committee and Cabinet sub-committee that have examined the project,” he said.

The Union Minister pointed out that the High Court has made strong observations raising serious questions about the manner in which the project has been administered. The observations also pertained to the functioning of the NICE, Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board besides the government’s role, he said, adding that the toll collection should be stopped since the NICE has increased toll rates without corresponding notifications from the State government.

He said that the several provisions and conditions of the framework agreements and project technical agreement had been violated.

“The High Court has observed that despite land being acquired from farmers in 2003 and 2009, compensation to several affected landowners is still to be determined. The proceedings in the Supreme Court has brought to light several irregularities in the manner in which the NICE had dealt with land acquisition. Portions of the acquired land have been allegedly put to uses beyond the stated scope of the project,” Mr. Kumaraswamy said.

Acknowledging the receipt of the letter, Mr. Shivakumar said, “We will follow what the law says with respect to the NICE project. I have not read the letter yet. I will read the letter and review what can be done within the ambit of the law.”

Published - August 16, 2026 09:05 pm IST