₹4,200-Crore Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway Sinks Within Weeks, NHAI Suspends Toll Collection

Barely three weeks after being opened to traffic, the ₹4,200-crore Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway has developed multiple instances of road sinking and surface slippage, prompting the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to suspend toll collection and begin extensive repairs.

Authorities have also initiated disciplinary action against the concessionaire, PNC Infratech, project engineers and supervising officials over the quality of construction.

Road Dug Up Again After Repeated Failures

The expressway, inaugurated on July 13, was built to significantly reduce travel time between Lucknow and Kanpur.

However, the first signs of distress emerged on July 26, when a section near Kilometre 64 developed sinking and pavement slippage just 13 days after opening.

Initially:

• Around 120 metres of the affected stretch was repaired.
• Nearly 20 metres had to be completely excavated and rebuilt.

Subsequent inspections revealed further concerns over water penetration beneath the pavement, forcing authorities to excavate and reconstruct a much larger 300-metre stretch.

Additional slippages have since been reported at multiple locations along the expressway.

Traffic Disrupted Due to Repair Work

Repair operations have significantly impacted traffic movement.

At several locations:

• One carriageway has been closed.
• Vehicles travelling in both directions are sharing a single carriageway.
• Heavy machinery, including excavators, rollers and JCBs, is working on damaged sections while traffic passes nearby.

Near the Unnao entry point, motorists are being diverted onto the opposite carriageway after taking a U-turn because the regular route remains under repair.

Motorists Raise Safety Concerns

Several commuters complained they were informed about diversions only after paying toll charges through FASTag.

One motorist alleged:

"My FASTag was charged first, and only then I was told to take a U-turn and drive on the wrong side."

Another commuter questioned why authorities failed to inform drivers in advance, saying the affected entry ramp should have been temporarily closed instead.

Drivers also reported:

• Uneven and sunken stretches
• Vehicles bouncing at speeds close to 100 kmph
• Confusing diversions and barricades

Some travellers have reportedly started returning to the older Kanpur-Lucknow route.

NHAI Suspends Toll Collection

In response to the defects, NHAI has suspended toll collection across the entire expressway until repairs are completed.

Officials said:

• No toll will be collected during the rectification period.
• Revenue losses will be recovered from concessionaire PNC Infratech.
• The suspension applies to the entire expressway because it operates under a closed tolling system.

Water Ingress Suspected as Primary Cause

According to NHAI's preliminary assessment, rainwater appears to have seeped beneath the pavement, weakening the underlying soil and causing settlement.

Officials said excavation revealed wet soil below the damaged road surface.

Experts note that long-term road durability depends on several factors, including:

• Soil quality
• Proper compaction
• Drainage systems
• Quality of bituminous material
• Construction standards

Samples from the damaged sections have been sent for laboratory testing.

IIT Kharagpur Team to Investigate

To determine the exact cause, NHAI has appointed an expert committee from IIT Kharagpur led by Professor K. S. Reddy.

The authority is also carrying out:

• Laser profilometer-based pavement assessments
• A fresh safety audit after repairs
• Detailed engineering analysis of the entire corridor

Strict Action Against Contractor and Officials

The defects have triggered disciplinary action against multiple stakeholders.

Action against PNC Infratech

NHAI has:

• Issued two show-cause notices
• Proposed declaring the company a "non-performer"
• Initiated proceedings that could bar the firm from future NHAI projects
• Directed the company to bear the full repair cost, estimated at around ₹3 crore

The concessionaire may also face:

• A penalty equal to 2% of performance security
• Downgrading of its Pavement Condition Index (PCI)
• Debarment of key engineering personnel for up to three years

Officials Removed and Charge-Sheeted

NHAI has also initiated action against project officials responsible for supervision.

The authority has:

• Removed the construction agency's project manager
• Removed the independent engineer's team leader
• Removed the resident engineer
• Barred them from participating in Ministry of Road Transport, NHAI and NHIDCL projects for two years

Additionally:

• Current Project Director Nakul Prakash Verma has been repatriated.
• Charge sheets have been issued against both the current and former project directors for alleged negligence.
• Independent engineer Theme Engineering Services Pvt Ltd has also received a debarment notice.

NHAI Says Defects Are Limited

While acknowledging the defects, NHAI maintains that only a small portion of the expressway has been affected.

Officials said the expressway spans 63 km (126 km including both carriageways), with identified defects covering less than one kilometre in total.

Repair work is continuing as authorities seek a permanent solution before the monsoon causes further deterioration.