📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Muhammad Mahdi Karim/ Augustus Binu
Crime
Karnataka High Court Labels NICE Road Project as One of State's Biggest Scams
✍️ Deccan Herald
🗓 30 Jul 2026, 03:38 PM
👁 3
In a landmark judgment, the Karnataka High Court declared the NICE road project a major scam, citing mismanagement and corruption.
The Karnataka High Court, in a sweeping judgment, has called the National Investment and Connectivity Enhancement (NICE) road project one of the biggest scams in the state. The NICE road, a 62‑kilometre stretch intended to link Bengaluru to the international airport, was originally slated to cost ₹12,000 crore and complete within 2019.
The court cited a series of irregularities, including the use of sub‑standard materials, unexplained cost overruns, and a lack of transparent procurement processes. It also pointed to allegations that contractors had siphoned off funds meant for construction.
In its ruling, the High Court not only labelled the project a scam but also urged the state government to take immediate steps to investigate the matter and recover the misappropriated funds. The judgment is expected to trigger a fresh inquiry into the project’s execution.
While the court’s decision has shocked many, it underscores the judiciary’s willingness to confront large‑scale corruption in infrastructure development. The state government has yet to issue a formal response to the ruling.
The court cited a series of irregularities, including the use of sub‑standard materials, unexplained cost overruns, and a lack of transparent procurement processes. It also pointed to allegations that contractors had siphoned off funds meant for construction.
In its ruling, the High Court not only labelled the project a scam but also urged the state government to take immediate steps to investigate the matter and recover the misappropriated funds. The judgment is expected to trigger a fresh inquiry into the project’s execution.
While the court’s decision has shocked many, it underscores the judiciary’s willingness to confront large‑scale corruption in infrastructure development. The state government has yet to issue a formal response to the ruling.