HD Kumaraswamy continues allegations against NICE road toll collection

According to the minister, NICE has invested only about 40% of the total amount required for the project, collecting around ₹730 crore annually in toll revenue. | Photo credit: File Photo

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday alleged widespread irregularities in toll collection by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE), questioning the surge in reported revenue after the introduction of FASTag.

At a press conference at the Janata Dal (Secular) headquarters in Bengaluru, Mr. Kumaraswamy cited the project report and raised concerns about the company’s investment, toll collection and financial information.

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

Mr Kumaraswamy said the annual toll revenue of NICE was reported to be only ₹60-70 crore before the introduction of FASTag. However, after the implementation of the electronic toll collection system in 2022, the reported annual collection has increased to around ₹700 crore, according to the report he cited.

The minister disputed the significant difference between the figures, arguing that toll revenue may have been understated before FASTag was introduced. He also alleged that the state government had received incorrect information about the company’s collections.

Published – 23 Oct 2026 23:11 IST