PNC Infratech Clarifies Status of Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway Project Amid NHAI Scrutiny

PNC Infratech Clarifies Status of Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway Project Amid NHAI Scrutiny​

PNC Infratech Limited has released detailed clarifications concerning the status of its involvement in the Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway Project, addressing media reports and regulatory actions by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The project, executed for a subsidiary of PNC Infratech, is currently under maintenance following its successful completion.

The 'Construction of 6 lane upgradable to 8 lane of Kanpur Lucknow Expressway from km 28.500 to 73.744 (Package-2) in Uttar Pradesh on Hybrid Annuity,' was completed by Awadh Expressways Private Limited, a subsidiary of the company. Provisional and Final Completion Certificates for the project were issued on October 1, 2025, and February 2, 2026, respectively. The Bid Project Cost of this infrastructure is stated to be Rs. 1513.00 Crore.

As per the terms of the Concession Agreement (CA) between NHAI and the Concessionaire, the project remains under maintenance for a period of 15 years, covering Routine and Major Maintenance obligations post-construction.

Project Integrity and Repairs​

The company provided an update regarding recent weather-related issues affecting the expressway. Due to heavy and incessant rains, certain stretches of the project were affected. The total length of the project impacted by these isolated stretches stands at 300 meters, which is less than 0.5% of the entire expressway length.

The Concessionaire acted immediately as part of its routine maintenance obligations to repair and rectify the majority of the affected stretches. Maintenance work on the remaining sections is currently underway, and traffic flow remains smooth on the project, a status confirmed by NHAI in its press release dated August 5, 2026.

Regulatory Actions and Financial Implications​

The company acknowledged that NHAI has issued show cause notices to the Concessionaire regarding the incident. PNC Infratech states that replies are being submitted to NHAI shortly. The company confirmed that it has not been 'debarred' or declared 'non-comer' by NHAI.

Details relating to the regulatory review process, as provided by the company, highlight potential actions directed by NHAI against the Concessionaire:


The timeline provided notes that the Press Release regarding the show cause notices was issued by NHAI on August 5, 2026. An interim order/direction from NHAI dated July 28, 2026, directed the removal of Mr Vivek Gupta, the Project Manager, from the site, which the Concessionaire completed. The violation cited includes a slippage of approximately 300 meters near km 64 (RHS) observed on July 26, 2026.

Regarding the financial impact of the repairs and maintenance, the company stated that the cost of ongoing repairs has been budgeted by the Concessionaire as part of its routine maintenance obligations over the 15-year post-construction period. The company added that there is no material impact on its ability to continue as a going concern or execute other projects, and it can continue participating in bids for new undertakings.

PNCINFRA Stock Price Movement​

PNC INFRATECH LIMITED shares are shedding by 1.83% in the pre-open session at 9:11 AM, currently trading near ₹249.90. Limited activity so far shows a traded volume of 13,403 shares.