Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Kumaraswamy Renews Call to Boycott NICE Road Tolls
H.D. Kumaraswamy has told drivers not to pay tolls on NICE Road.
He says the toll collection is illegal and that prices have risen unfairly.
Some drivers have followed his advice after seeing videos of his comments.
This has caused arguments between drivers and toll workers.
Toll operators say there is no official order allowing people to avoid payment.
They have warned that drivers could face legal action.
Kumaraswamy says people should not be scared even if a police case is filed.
He also questioned why the government has not stopped the toll collection.
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy again urged motorists not to pay tolls on NICE Road.
Kumaraswamy alleged that NICE was collecting toll illegally and that toll rates were being increased arbitrarily.
He told motorists not to fear police cases or FIRs resulting from refusing payment.
Motorists refusing to pay have reportedly clashed with toll staff, while operators warned of legal action.
Kumaraswamy claimed NICE had collected around Rs 2,000 crore and questioned Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s role.
- Who
- Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, motorists, NICE toll operators, the state government, and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
- What
- Kumaraswamy renewed his appeal for motorists to boycott NICE Road toll payments.
- When
- Friday, following Kumaraswamy’s earlier call to stop making payments.
- Where
- Bengaluru and toll plazas on NICE Road.
- Why
- Kumaraswamy alleges illegal toll collection and arbitrary rate increases, while toll operators maintain that payments remain required.
Kumaraswamy and Toll Boycott Supporters
NICE Toll Operators and Government Position
Legality of toll collection
Kumaraswamy and Toll Boycott Supporters
Kumaraswamy alleged that NICE was collecting toll illegally and urged motorists to refuse payment.
NICE Toll Operators and Government Position
Toll operators said there was no official order exempting motorists from paying tolls.
Toll-rate increases
Kumaraswamy and Toll Boycott Supporters
Kumaraswamy accused the state government of allowing arbitrary increases in toll rates.
NICE Toll Operators and Government Position
The articles report no specific response from the government or operators to this allegation.
Consequences for motorists
Kumaraswamy and Toll Boycott Supporters
Kumaraswamy said motorists should continue refusing payment even if an FIR is registered.
NICE Toll Operators and Government Position
Toll operators reportedly warned motorists of legal action and questioned them about any exemption order.
- Appeal
- Kumaraswamy urged motorists not to pay NICE Road tolls under any circumstances.
- Legal risk
- He said motorists should not fear even if an FIR is registered.
- Operator position
- Toll operators said there is no court order or government direction exempting motorists from payment.
- Toll warnings
- Operators have reportedly displayed notices warning of legal action for refusing to pay.
- Reported collection
- Kumaraswamy claimed NICE had collected around Rs 2,000 crore through tolls.
- Public reaction
- Some motorists have reportedly refused payment after viewing videos of Kumaraswamy’s statement.