New Delhi, August 6: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has intensified scrutiny over the construction agency responsible for the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway due to multiple defects and issues. NHAI has taken action against several officials, including the project director of the agency.
According to NHAI officials, the project director has been suspended and barred from company operations, while the head of the independent engineering team has also faced suspension.
The construction agency has been issued a show cause notice, demanding an explanation for the cracks that appeared just weeks after the highway’s opening.
This action against the contractor comes in response to the inconvenience caused to travelers due to erosion and cracks in several areas along the highway. Repairs were initiated immediately after the reports surfaced, and alternative routes have been established on the 63-kilometer stretch to ensure smooth traffic flow.
NHAI has acknowledged the deficiencies raised by travelers and has taken strict measures against the contractor. The agency has stated that the construction firm will bear the full cost of the repair work.
Referring to the terms of the agreement, NHAI emphasized that the contractor will be responsible for maintenance for the next 15 years, with no government funds allocated for this purpose.
This punitive action against PNC Infratech follows NHAI’s suspension of toll collection across the entire expressway until the damaged sections are repaired.
The highway authority clarified that out of a total stretch of 64 kilometers, only about 1 kilometer has been affected by water seepage, and the entire expressway is not compromised.
NHAI also announced that an independent investigation will be conducted by a team from IIT Kharagpur.
An NHAI official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stressed that the authority is neither shirking its responsibilities nor evading accountability. He stated that NHAI is taking necessary and timely steps to address all identified deficiencies in accordance with government guidelines.
Notably, this expressway, constructed at a cost of ₹4,200 crores, was built by PNC Infratech Limited, based in Agra. It was inaugurated on July 13 by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
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