NHAI has taken stringent action against the concessionaire, Independent Engineer and concerned officials following the identification of issues on the Kanpur–Lucknow Expressway. Immediate corrective measures have also been initiated to restore the affected stretch and strengthen quality assurance mechanisms. At present, traffic has been diverted at this spot and is plying smoothly.

Out of a total length of 63 km, a slippage of about 300 meter length was observed near km 64 (RHS) of the Expressway on 26 July 2026.  Acting promptly, NHAI initiated restoration works and ordered a comprehensive technical assessment of the affected location. Simultaneously, disciplinary actions have been initiated against all stakeholders found responsible for deficiencies in project execution and supervision.

Non-Performer notice issued to Concessionaire

NHAI has issued a notice proposing the declaration of the concessionaire, M/s PNC Infratech Ltd., as a non-performer under which the concessionaire will be ineligible to participate in bidding for NHAI future projects. Also, show cause notice has been issued to the concessionaire to:

1. Levy a penalty of 2% of the performance security.
2. Initiate debarment proceedings for up to three (3) years against Head of Pavement/Highways and other responsible Staff.
3. Downgrade Concessionaire Rating (Pavement Condition Index), which will adversely impact eligibility for future NHAI projects.

The concessionaire has also been directed to undertake complete rectification of the affected stretch at its own cost, estimated at approximately Rs. 3 crores until now, without any financial implication on NHAI.

NHAI Takes Action Against Officials Due to Negligence

NHAI has initiated disciplinary action against officials responsible for lapses in project monitoring and supervision. The Project Manager of the construction agency, Shri Vivek Kumar Gupta, the Team Leader of the Independent Engineer, Shri Surendra Kumar, and the Resident Engineer, Shri Yatendra Kumar, have been removed from the project and debarred from participating in any projects of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), NHAI and National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) for a period of two years.

Further, the present Project Director, Shri Nakul Prakash Verma, has been repatriated to his parent department. In addition, charge sheet is being issued against the former Project Director, Shri Saurabh Chaurasia, during whose tenure substantial construction took place, and the present Project Director, Shri Nakul Prakash Verma, for alleged negligence in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Debarment Notice to M/s Theme Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd.

A notice to M/s Theme Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd., the Independent Engineer for the project, proposing its debarment from participating in future NHAI projects is being issued by NHAI.

Laser Profilometer-Based Assessment and Expert Investigation

As part of the comprehensive corrective measures, NHAI is deploying Laser Profilometer technology to undertake a detailed assessment of the pavement condition across the project stretch.

Investigation by Expert Team

A team of pavement experts led by Professor K. S. Reddy of IIT Kharagpur has been engaged to conduct an in-depth technical investigation. The expert committee will examine the underlying causes and recommend suitable measures.

Toll Suspension

Till complete rectification, toll has been suspended.  No toll will be charged from commuters on this Expressway.  Recovery of the toll loss will be done from Concessionaire.

NHAI remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and accountability in the development and maintenance of National Highway infrastructure.

 

***

GDH/DS/HJ

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2294845) आगंतुक पटल : 1012