NHAI cracks down on concessionaire after ‘defects’ on Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway
NHAI Takes Strict Action Against Concessionaire Following Expressway Defects
Bharatmorningnews.com – Just weeks after its lavish opening ceremony, the ₹4,200-crore Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway has encountered structural problems. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) responded by halting toll collection on Wednesday and launching rigorous disciplinary measures against both the concessionaire and supervisory personnel.
Toll Suspension and Concessionaire Status
The regulatory body has put forward a proposal to label PNC Infratech Ltd as a “non-performer,” which would bar the company from future NHAI bidding opportunities. This decision comes amid numerous complaints regarding damaged sections and makeshift repairs scattered across the 63-kilometer route.
“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 the concessionaire,” the NHAI said in a statement.
The authority noted that the action stems from a “slippage” incident recorded near Km 64 on July 26. Traffic has been rerouted around the affected area, with vehicles navigating the detour without major disruptions.
Public Reaction and Commuter Concerns
The fresh damage has sparked renewed worries about construction standards. Travelers and industry specialists alike are asking how a recently completed expressway could experience repeated structural issues so soon after its opening.
Many passengers shared video footage on social media platforms highlighting their apprehensions about the multi-crore infrastructure project, especially sections along the Unnao-Lucknow corridor.
Currently, passengers pay a one-way fare of ₹275 for cars, jeeps, and vans. Annual passes remain valid for use on the toll road.
Disciplinary Measures Against Officials
Gautam Vishal, chief general manager and regional officer for UP NHAI, outlined a comprehensive set of corrective actions. The authority is pursuing accountability not just with PNC Infratech but also with the independent engineering consultant and its own supervisory staff.
A show-cause notice has been issued recommending a penalty equal to 2% of the performance security. Additional consequences include debarment proceedings lasting up to three years for the firm’s head of pavement/highways and other key personnel, alongside a reduction in the concessionaire’s performance rating.
The NHAI has ordered PNC Infratech to completely rebuild the damaged section at its own cost. The repair work is projected to require approximately ₹3 crore, with no financial burden placed on the NHAI.
Several officials have been removed from the project. Construction agency project manager Vivek Kumar Gupta, independent engineer team leader Surendra Kumar, and resident engineer Yatendra Kumar have been debarred from ministry of road transport and highways, NHAI, and NHIDCL projects for two years.
Project director Nakul Prakash Verma has been sent back to his parent department. Charge sheets are being prepared against him and former project director Saurabh Chaurasia, who oversaw the construction of a significant portion of the expressway, for alleged negligence.
Consultant Scrutiny and Expert Investigation
The independent engineering consultant, Theme Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd, is also facing scrutiny. NHAI has started proceedings to potentially debar the company from future projects, citing supervision and quality control failures.
“The quality of the expressway is excellent, but due to some rainwater seeping inside from a point, some depressions were formed and they will be repaired soon,” PNC Infratech MD Chakresh Jain told HT.
As part of the remedial strategy, the authority will conduct a laser profilometer-based evaluation of pavement conditions throughout the project stretch. A panel of specialists headed by Professor KS Reddy from IIT Kharagpur has been appointed to examine the root causes of the slippage and suggest appropriate solutions.
This advanced technology enables precise detection of surface irregularities and measurement of pavement quality. The comprehensive survey aims to uncover concealed defects and establish the underlying reasons for the structural issues.
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