NHAI Takes Strict Action Against Concessionaire, Consultant and Officials Over Kanpur–Lucknow Expressway Issues
New Delhi, August 5, 2026: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated stringent action against the concessionaire, the Independent Engineer, and concerned officials following the detection of a pavement slippage on the Kanpur–Lucknow Expressway. The authority has also launched immediate corrective measures to restore the affected stretch and strengthen quality assurance mechanisms.
Traffic has been diverted at the affected location and is currently moving smoothly.
Slippage Detected Near Km 64
A pavement slippage was observed near Kilometre 64 of the expressway on July 26, 2026. Following the incident, NHAI promptly began restoration work and ordered a comprehensive technical assessment of the site.
At the same time, disciplinary action was initiated against all stakeholders found responsible for deficiencies in project execution and supervision.
Notice Issued to PNC Infratech
NHAI has issued a notice proposing to declare M/s PNC Infratech Ltd. a non-performer, which would make the company ineligible to participate in future NHAI project bids.
The concessionaire has also been served with a show-cause notice proposing:
- A penalty equal to 2% of the Performance Security.
- Debarment proceedings for up to three years against the Head of Pavement/Highways and other responsible personnel.
- Downgrading of the company's Pavement Condition Index (PCI) rating, affecting its eligibility for future NHAI contracts.
Additionally, the company has been directed to carry out complete rectification of the damaged stretch at its own expense, currently estimated at around ₹3 crore, without any financial burden on NHAI.
Officials Face Disciplinary Action
NHAI has also taken disciplinary action against officials responsible for lapses in project monitoring and supervision.
The following officials have been removed from the project and debarred for two years from participating in projects undertaken by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), NHAI, and the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL):
- Vivek Kumar Gupta, Project Manager (Construction Agency)
- Surendra Kumar, Team Leader (Independent Engineer)
- Yatendra Kumar, Resident Engineer
Further, the current Project Director Nakul Prakash Verma has been repatriated to his parent department.
Charge sheets are also being issued against former Project Director Saurabh Chaurasia, under whose tenure most of the construction was completed, and current Project Director Nakul Prakash Verma for alleged negligence in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Action Against Independent Engineer
NHAI is also issuing a notice proposing the debarment of M/s Theme Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd., the Independent Engineer for the project, from participating in future NHAI assignments.
Advanced Technical Assessment
As part of the corrective measures, NHAI is deploying Laser Profilometer technology to conduct a comprehensive assessment of pavement conditions across the entire project stretch.
In addition, a committee of pavement experts led by Professor K. S. Reddy of IIT Kharagpur has been appointed to investigate the root causes of the incident and recommend appropriate technical solutions.
Toll Collection Suspended
NHAI has suspended toll collection on the Kanpur–Lucknow Expressway until the restoration work is fully completed.
No toll will be collected from commuters during this period, and the resulting revenue loss will be recovered from the concessionaire.
NHAI reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, transparency, and accountability in the development and maintenance of India's national highway infrastructure.