H.D. Kumaraswamy continues allegations against NICE road toll collection

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Friday alleged large-scale irregularities in toll collection by the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE), questioning the sharp increase in reported revenue following the introduction of FASTag.

Addressing a press conference at the Janata Dal (Secular) party’s central office in Bengaluru, Mr. Kumaraswamy cited a report on the project and raised concerns over the company’s investment, toll collections and financial disclosures.

According to the Minister, NICE has invested only around 40% of the total amount required for the project, while collecting approximately ₹730 crore annually in toll revenue. The company has already collected around ₹4,500 crore, he claimed.

Mr. Kumaraswamy said NICE’s annual toll revenue was reported at just ₹60–70 crore before FASTag was introduced. However, after the electronic toll collection system was implemented in 2022, the reported annual collection rose to approximately ₹700 crore, according to the report he cited.

The Minister questioned the significant difference between the figures, alleging that toll revenue may have been underreported before FASTag was introduced. He also claimed that the State government had received incorrect information about the company’s collections.