Lakhnau-Kanpur Expressway: Promises of Modern Infrastructure Face Immediate Challenges The Lakhnau-Kanpur Expressway, inaugurated on July 13, 2026, by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari with assurances of a "model highway" akin to American roads, has already faced significant issues within 18 days of its opening. Reports indicate that 84 locations across the 63-kilometer route require urgent repairs, with cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces reported by drivers. Some sections of the road have shown signs of instability, prompting concerns about safety and durability. The project, managed by PNC Infrastructure Limited, has been labeled a "non-performer" by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The company, owned by the brother of BJP state legislature member Navin Jain, was initially banned from new tenders in October 2024 due to allegations of corruption and unethical practices. These allegations included accusations of bribing NHAI officials and providing undue benefits. Despite the ban being lifted after a year, the quality of the road has drawn criticism. NHAI has instructed IIT Kharagpur to investigate the expressway’s structural integrity. Engineers noted that the road’s foundation was improperly laid, with irregular layers of soil and inadequate compaction. This has led to sections of the road being prone to collapse under heavy traffic or rainfall. Drivers have reported uneven surfaces, sudden depressions, and in one instance, a truck overturning due to unstable conditions. The financial cost of the project is substantial. The 63-kilometer expressway cost approximately ₹47 billion, with each kilometer costing around ₹750 million. This makes it the most expensive expressway in Uttar Pradesh to date.#nitin_gadkari #iit_kharagpur #nhai #lakhnaukanpur_expressway #pnc_infrastructure_limited
