Strict Action Against Concessionaire Following Defects in Kanpur–Lucknow Expressway

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken stringent action against PNC Infratech Ltd., the concessionaire of the 63-km Kanpur–Lucknow Expressway, following the emergence of premature failures and slippages on the expressway shortly after its inauguration. The action, communicated by letter dated September 11, 2026, includes debarment from participating in projects of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), NHAI and their agencies for a period of three years.

A slippage of approximately 300 metres was observed near Km 64 of the expressway on July 26, 2026, within two weeks of its inauguration. NHAI subsequently initiated restoration works and commissioned a comprehensive technical assessment to determine the causes of the deficiencies. An expert team led by Professor K. S. Reddy of IIT Kharagpur was engaged to undertake an independent technical investigation, which recommended complete reconstruction of the affected stretches, while a laser profilometer-based assessment was undertaken to examine pavement conditions across the project stretch.

NHAI has directed the concessionaire to undertake complete rectification of the affected portions at its own cost, with the cost of rectification estimated at approximately ₹3 crore at the time of the initial action. NHAI also issued a notice proposing to declare PNC Infratech a non-performer, and a show-cause notice proposing a penalty equivalent to 2% of the performance security, debarment proceedings of up to three years against its Head of Pavement/Highways and other responsible staff, and a downgrade of its performance rating.

Toll collection across the expressway was suspended until completion of the required rectification works. NHAI has stated that the loss of toll revenue arising from the suspension would be recovered from the concessionaire. According to subsequent reporting, the amount payable towards the lost toll revenue is approximately ₹42 lakh per day until the full corridor is restored and made operational for toll collection. PNC Infratech has stated that the debarment does not affect its ongoing projects and that it is exploring legal remedies.

The action has also extended to project supervision and oversight. NHAI initiated disciplinary proceedings against concerned officials and took action against personnel associated with the construction agency and Independent Engineer. Theme Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd., the Independent Engineer for the project, was issued a notice proposing its debarment from future NHAI projects, while three project personnel, were removed from the project and debarred for two years.

The Expressway was executed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), under which the private concessionaire is responsible for construction and subsequent operation and maintenance of the highway, while the Authority makes payments in accordance with the contractual framework.