New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated strict action against the concessionaire, independent engineer and several officials following a road slippage on the Kanpur–Lucknow Expressway. The authority has also suspended toll collection, launched restoration work and ordered a detailed technical investigation to identify the cause of the failure.
The action follows the detection of a 300-metre-long road slippage near km 64 on the right-hand side of the 63-km expressway on July 26, 2026. Traffic has been diverted at the affected location and is moving smoothly while repairs continue.
Restoration Work Underway
Soon after the defect was identified, NHAI began restoration work and ordered a comprehensive technical assessment of the damaged stretch.
The concessionaire has been directed to complete all repairs at its own cost. The rectification work is currently estimated at around ₹3 crore, with no financial burden on NHAI.
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Action Against Concessionaire
NHAI has issued a Non-Performer Notice to M/s PNC Infratech Ltd., proposing to bar the company from participating in future NHAI projects.
The authority has also issued a show-cause notice proposing:
- A penalty equal to 2% of the performance security.
- Debarment of the Head of Pavement/Highways and other responsible staff for up to three years.
- Downgrading the concessionaire’s performance rating, affecting eligibility for future highway projects.
Officials Removed and Debarred
NHAI has also taken disciplinary action against officials responsible for project monitoring and supervision.
The following officials have been removed from the project and debarred for two years from projects under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), NHAI and NHIDCL:
- Project Manager Vivek Kumar Gupta
- Independent Engineer Team Leader Surendra Kumar
- Resident Engineer Yatendra Kumar
The current Project Director Nakul Prakash Verma has been repatriated to his parent department. Charge sheets are also being issued against both the present and former Project Directors over alleged negligence during project execution.
Independent Engineer Faces Debarment
NHAI has also issued a notice proposing the debarment of M/s Theme Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd., the Independent Engineer responsible for supervising the project, from future NHAI assignments.
IIT Kharagpur Experts to Investigate
To determine the exact reason behind the road failure, NHAI has constituted an expert committee led by Professor K. S. Reddy of IIT Kharagpur.
The committee will conduct a detailed technical investigation and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in future.
In addition, Laser Profilometer technology will be used to assess pavement quality across the entire expressway stretch.
Toll Collection Suspended
NHAI has suspended toll collection on the Kanpur–Lucknow Expressway until the damaged section is fully restored.
The authority said commuters will not be charged any toll during this period. The revenue loss arising from the suspension will be recovered from the concessionaire.
Strengthening Accountability in Highway Projects
The latest action reflects NHAI’s effort to strengthen accountability in national highway projects by enforcing quality standards and fixing responsibility for construction and supervision lapses. Along with immediate repairs, the technical investigation and disciplinary measures are expected to improve quality assurance and enhance the safety of highway infrastructure across the country.
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