H D Kumaraswamy Seeks Cancellation of NICE Framework Agreement, Flags Land and Toll Road Violations in BMICP
Bengaluru, August 16: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has urged Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to cancel the Framework Agreement governing the Bengaluru-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project (BMICP), alleging multiple violations in land acquisition, toll-road implementation and execution of the project by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE).
In a seven-page letter to the Chief Minister, Kumaraswamy referred to the Framework Agreement dated April 3, 1997, between the Karnataka government and Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises and raised issues relating to the land acquired for the project and its utilisation.
According to the letter, the project envisaged 13,194 acres for five townships, 4,528 acres for a 111-km expressway including toll plazas and interchanges, 2,196 acres for a 41-km peripheral road and 278 acres for a 9.8-km link road, taking the total to 20,193 acres.
Kumaraswamy alleged that the project had departed from provisions of the Framework Agreement and Project Technical Agreement. Among the issues cited were non-adherence to the agreements, utilisation of land outside the Framework Agreement, non-concretisation of toll roads, enhancement of toll rates and failure to construct maintenance areas and truck terminals as stipulated.
The letter also referred to land acquisition for the project and previous court proceedings, including litigation involving the State of Karnataka, All India Manufacturers Organisation and M. Naga Bhushan.
Kumaraswamy cited proceedings of a Karnataka Legislature committee and referred to alleged violations identified in relation to the Framework Agreement and Project Technical Report. He also raised questions over the extent of land acquired and retained for the project.
The letter said a 2023 Cabinet sub-committee had recommended withdrawal of acquisition notifications covering 18,218 acres and 4,812 acres, while alleging that farmers and landowners had remained affected by the acquisition process for years.
Kumaraswamy further alleged that NICE had collected toll on roads that were not completed in accordance with the agreements. The letter referred to 6,999 acres connected with toll-road construction and 13,237 acres for five townships, together accounting for 20,193 acres.
He also alleged that 13,194 acres earmarked for townships had been valued at ₹2,469.86 crore, while the toll-road land was valued at ₹448.86 crore, and questioned developments concerning land covered by the Framework Agreement and Project Technical Agreement.
Referring to the five proposed townships, Kumaraswamy alleged that none had been developed even after more than three decades. He also referred to the Bengaluru-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Area Planning Authority in connection with planning and development of the project area.
The letter cited observations attributed to the Karnataka High Court and Supreme Court in litigation concerning the project and alleged that farmers had been deprived of land without compensation in certain instances.
Kumaraswamy also alleged that land provided to NICE had been involved in Joint Development Agreements with real estate firms for commercial purposes and referred to the company’s annual reports for 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17.
On the road component, the letter raised issues concerning the 9.8-km link road, 41-km peripheral road and other stretches covered by the project agreements, alleging delays and incomplete implementation despite extensions granted over the years.
Kumaraswamy said farmers and landowners had faced uncertainty for more than two decades because of the land acquisition process.
He urged the state government to immediately stop toll collection by NICE and examine alleged violations of the Framework Agreement and Project Technical Agreement. He also sought steps to cancel the agreement and protect the interests of farmers and landowners affected by the project.
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