A section of the Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway is undergoing extensive repairs after heavy rainfall caused a major road slip, disrupting traffic and prompting a detailed investigation into the highway's construction and drainage systems.
According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), persistent rainfall allowed water to infiltrate the pavement layers, weakening the subgrade and resulting in the collapse of a portion of the carriageway. Traffic on the affected stretch has been diverted through a single carriageway, with vehicles travelling in both directions sharing one side of the expressway until repairs are completed.
The latest incident has intensified scrutiny of the expressway's construction quality. The same stretch reportedly required repairs less than a month ago, and following recent rainfall, road surface slippage has been observed at several other locations along the highway.
Construction company PNC Infratech has been served a notice over alleged deficiencies in the project. Proceedings have been initiated to classify the firm as a non-performing contractor, and it has been directed to bear the estimated repair cost of ₹3 crore.
Meanwhile, toll collection on the affected stretch has been suspended until repairs are completed. According to NHAI, the loss of toll revenue during the closure period will be recovered from the concessionaire.
