The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has halted the collection of toll fees on the Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway, while the specific issues with the damaged section are being addressed. The concessionaire, engineers and a number of officials over their alleged lapses in project execution and supervision have also been brought into the authority’s disciplinary process.
The decision arrives weeks after the 63-km expressway was opened on July 13 after many complaints were raised regarding damaged parts and quality of the patchwork work from the commuters. Multiple social media postings by several users have been made about the quality of the infrastructure of the Unnao-Lucknow road, which was opened after the completion of the project, but is subsequently left to deteriorate by the inadequately caring authorities.
The NHAI stated that it was not collecting any tolls till rectification work was complete, it will compensate the concessionaire for the revenue loss during the period.
Following a report of a road slippage that occurred close to Km.64 of the expressway on 26th July, the action unfolded. Following the incident restoration efforts have immediately commenced, and traffic has been rerouted to enable the smooth movement of traffic at the impacted location.
In addition, NHAI has released a notice that suggests it may declare PNC Infratech Ltd as a non-performer which will render the company unconvertible for future highway projects. Further, a suit for penalty is also suggested to levy a fine of 2% of the performance security; initiate debarment proceedings against the officers and directors for a period of three years and reduce the performance rating of the company.
The team of experts from IIT also set to probe the cause of the road damage and quality of the construction.