NHAI Halts Toll on New Kanpur Lucknow Expressway

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has halted toll collection on the Kanpur‑Lucknow Expressway until a damaged segment is repaired, and it has begun disciplinary proceedings against the concessionaire and key officials over alleged lapses in project execution.

Toll Suspension and Immediate Response

In a statement released on Wednesday, NHAI announced that no toll will be charged from commuters while the expressway undergoes full rectification. The authority said the loss of toll revenue will be recovered from PNC Infratech Ltd. The suspension follows a report of a “slippage” near kilometer 64 identified on July 26, prompting an immediate diversion of traffic at the affected spot. NHAI noted that traffic has since been rerouted and is now flowing smoothly.

Commuters had been paying a one‑way fee of ₹275 for cars, jeeps and vans, with an annual pass option also available. Within weeks of the expressway’s inauguration on July 13, users posted videos on social media highlighting cracks and patchwork, especially on the Unnao‑Lucknow carriageway. The visible damage sparked widespread complaints, leading the authority to act.

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Disciplinary Actions and Penalties

NHAI issued a notice proposing to label PNC Infratech a non‑performer, which would disqualify the firm from future NHAI project bids. A show‑cause notice also suggested a penalty of two percent of the performance security and debarment proceedings lasting up to three years for the firm’s head of pavement/highways and other responsible staff. The concessionaire has been directed to repair the damaged stretch at its own expense, an effort estimated to cost around ₹3 crore.

Key personnel have been removed from the project. The construction agency’s project manager, Vivek Kumar Gupta, the independent engineer team leader, Surendra Kumar, and resident engineer, Yatendra Kumar, have all been barred from Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NHAI, and NHIDCL projects for two years. The current project director, Nakul Prakash Verma, has been repatriated to his parent department, and charge sheets are being prepared against him and former project director Saurabh Chaurasia for alleged negligence.

NHAI also proposed debarment of Theme Engineering Services Pvt Ltd, the independent engineer firm, from future projects. The authority emphasized its commitment to maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and accountability in national highway development and maintenance.

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The road will reopen once repairs finish.

Technical Review and Future Safeguards

As part of its corrective strategy, NHAI plans to conduct a laser profilometer‑based assessment of pavement conditions along the entire stretch. A team of experts led by Professor K S Reddy of IIT Kharagpur has been engaged to investigate the causes of the slippage and to recommend remedial actions. This technical review aims to identify any systemic issues that may have contributed to the early deterioration of the expressway.

The authority’s statement reiterated that the suspension of toll collection is a temporary measure. Once the damaged portion is fully rectified, tolls are expected to resume, and the concessionaire will be held financially responsible for the interim loss. NHAI’s approach reflects an effort to balance immediate commuter safety with longer‑term infrastructure accountability.