First-ever full toll suspension: Expressway develops major defects weeks after opening; NHAI bans concessionaire for 3 years, seeks Rs 42 lakh daily compensation

Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway: Following the inauguration of the Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway, significant defects were reported, prompting the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to bar PNC Infratech from bidding for its projects for three years. Several sections of the expressway suffered premature failures, leading to the suspension of toll collection, while PNC Infratech is required to compensate NHAI for the lost toll revenue on a daily basis. The company’s shares also fell sharply after the NHAI action was disclosed.