Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway: Several expressways and highways have been built across Uttar Pradesh this year. However, instead of making headlines for smooth journeys and improved connectivity, some are attracting criticism over their condition. While the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway came under scrutiny after developing potholes during the first spell of monsoon rain, the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway has now suffered its third road collapse in just 17 days since its inauguration.
Built at a cost of around Rs 4,700 crore, the expressway has already sustained damage at multiple locations, raising serious concerns over the quality of construction and long-term durability.
Third Collapse Reported Near Unnao
The latest incident occurred near Begumkheda village in Asoha block, Unnao, where the
carriageway caved in for the third time. According to reports, the construction agency was carrying out repairs after a section of the road subsided at kilometre marker 30.07.
During the repair work, a truck carrying gravel overturned after the road gave way just a few metres from the maintenance site, causing disruption and panic. The driver was rescued safely without injury. A bulldozer was later used to clear the spilled gravel and upright the vehicle. Construction firm PNC is currently repairing the damaged stretch.
The repeated collapses within such a short period have intensified concerns over the expressway’s construction standards and safety.
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Also Faced Criticism
The Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway is not the only recently completed road project to come under criticism. Earlier, a video of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway went viral after showing two deep potholes that appeared soon after the onset of the monsoon.
In the video, a motorist claimed several vehicles had lost balance while driving through the damaged section, with two cars reportedly suffering bent alloy wheels. The speaker questioned how a project costing approximately Rs 12,000 crore could develop potholes so soon after opening.
Expressway Inaugurated Only A Fortnight Earlier
The Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway was inaugurated on July 13, 2026, by the UP Chief Minister along with two Cabinet ministers. Less than a fortnight after opening, multiple stretches of the expressway have already required repairs following repeated cave-ins.
Responding to the incidents, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) stated that preventive maintenance is being carried out as part of routine Operations and Maintenance (O&M), particularly during the monsoon season.
NHAI would like to inform that, as part of routine Operations & Maintenance (O&M) activities, preventive maintenance works are being undertaken on the Lucknow–Kanpur Expressway as and when required, particularly in view of the monsoon period.
The Expressway is covered under a…
— NHAI (@NHAI_Official) July 30, 2026
According to NHAI, the expressway is covered by a 15-year Defect Liability Period (DLP), under which the concessionaire is responsible for carrying out all necessary maintenance and rectification work at no additional cost to NHAI. This includes repairing rain-related damage and other monsoon maintenance to ensure the expressway remains safe, serviceable and fully operational.
NHAI added that it is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to providing a safe and seamless travel experience for all national highway users.
