10 hrs ago
Firm Banned After Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Section Caved In
A new road between Lucknow and Kanpur was built for Rs 4,200 crore.
It opened on July 13 after being inaugurated by senior government leaders.
Only 12 days later, a large part of the road caved in.
Reports also said that potholes and other damage appeared at 74 places within 26 days.
The National Highways Authority of India said the problems showed construction flaws and road sinking.
It banned the company that built the road from bidding for new government road contracts for three years.
The company can continue its existing projects, but it is considering challenging the ban.
Toll collection on the road has been stopped while the problems are addressed.
The National Highways Authority of India banned PNC Infratech and subsidiary Awadh Expressway Private Limited for three years.
The Rs 4,200 crore Lucknow-Kanpur elevated expressway was inaugurated on July 13.
A large section reportedly caved in within 12 days, while damage was reported at 74 locations within 26 days.
NHAI cited construction flaws and road subsidence in its September 11 ban order.
Toll collection remains suspended, with the company responsible for losses; PNC Infratech is considering legal action.
- Who
- The National Highways Authority of India, PNC Infratech, and its subsidiary Awadh Expressway Private Limited are central to the matter; the expressway was inaugurated by Yogi Adityanath, Rajnath Singh, and Nitin Gadkari.
- What
- NHAI banned PNC Infratech and Awadh Expressway Private Limited for three years after construction flaws, road subsidence, and damage were reported on the expressway.
- Where
- The Lucknow-Kanpur Greenfield National Elevated Expressway in Uttar Pradesh, India.
- When
- The expressway opened on July 13; a section caved in within 12 days, and NHAI issued the ban on September 11.
- Why
- NHAI cited construction flaws and incidents of road subsidence; toll collection was suspended and the company was assigned responsibility for related losses.
Regulatory Action
Company Response
Three-year bidding ban
Regulatory Action
NHAI imposed the ban, citing construction flaws and road subsidence after a section caved in and damage was reported at multiple locations.
Company Response
PNC Infratech has indicated that it is exploring legal options to challenge the action.
Responsibility for toll losses
Regulatory Action
The suspension of toll collection has been ordered across the expressway, and the company has been made responsible for compensating the resulting losses.
Company Response
The company’s stated response is limited to considering legal options; the article does not provide a separate detailed explanation of the construction issues.
Effect on projects
Regulatory Action
The ban prevents PNC Infratech from bidding for new tenders issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NHAI, or their agencies for three years.
Company Response
The ban does not affect the company’s existing or ongoing projects.
Key facts
- Project cost
- Rs 4,200 crore
- Project
- Lucknow-Kanpur Greenfield National Elevated Expressway
- Ban duration
- Three years
- Ban authority
- National Highways Authority of India
- Reported damage
- Potholes and road damage at 74 locations within 26 days of opening
- Toll status
- Toll collection is suspended across the entire expressway
- Legal response
- PNC Infratech is exploring legal options to challenge the ban
Sources
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