The repeated sinking of road sections on the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway has raised concerns about drainage, road stability and construction performance. A preliminary laboratory report based on samples collected from affected locations has now been submitted to IIT Kharagpur.

The samples were collected after teams from the National Highways Authority of India and IIT Kharagpur inspected multiple locations on the expressway where the road surface had reportedly sunk repeatedly.

The inspection teams collected samples from the affected sections and documented the process. The samples were subsequently sent to a laboratory for detailed examination.

The preliminary findings have reportedly identified a drainage-related issue as an important factor. Poor or inadequate water drainage can create additional stress on road structures, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. However, the final technical assessment will be required before the complete cause of the repeated road damage can be established.

 IIT Kharagpur to conduct detailed analysis

The preliminary laboratory report has been submitted to IIT Kharagpur. Professor K.S. Reddy and his team are expected to examine the findings and assess the technical data in detail.

The comprehensive report will help determine the extent of the drainage problem and whether other factors, including pavement layers, soil conditions, construction materials or structural issues, also contributed to the road sinking.

Once the technical recommendations are finalised, corrective work is expected to be undertaken by the executing agency under the supervision of the relevant authorities.

Until the corrective measures are completed, teams responsible for the expressway have been instructed to remain particularly alert and continuously monitor the road condition.

Additional asphalt layer may be added

Following the preliminary findings, additional strengthening work may be carried out on several stretches of the expressway.

According to the available information, an additional asphalt layer of up to around 50 mm may be laid over larger sections where technical assessment indicates the need for reinforcement.

The exact thickness and locations will depend on the final technical recommendations. The objective will be to strengthen the affected pavement and address areas where water-related problems may have weakened the road structure.

### Drainage system under focus

Drainage has emerged as one of the central issues in the investigation. Water accumulation and inadequate drainage can affect pavement performance and reduce the stability of road layers over time.

The authorities have said that drainage arrangements on both sides of the expressway have already been improved based on technical recommendations.

The effectiveness of these measures will become clearer during subsequent periods of rainfall. Continuous monitoring will be important to determine whether the previously affected locations remain stable after corrective work.

 When will the expressway fully open?

The authorities are expected to open the expressway for all vehicles after the recommended corrective measures have been completed.

Toll operations are also expected to begin after the necessary technical and safety requirements are met.

Before unrestricted traffic is allowed, the road structure and drainage system need to be assessed carefully. This is particularly important because the expressway is designed as a high-speed corridor.

 Heavy vehicles restricted

Heavy vehicles are currently being restricted at several entry points of the expressway.

Barricades have been installed near the toll entry point around Daroga Kheda on the Lucknow side to prevent the entry of heavy vehicles onto the elevated section.

Similar barriers have also been placed around toll areas in Unnao and Kanpur.

The restrictions are intended to reduce pressure on the expressway during the monsoon period and limit the movement of heavy commercial vehicles until the affected sections are properly assessed and repaired.

 Why heavy vehicles are being controlled

Heavy commercial vehicles place significantly greater loads on road structures than ordinary passenger vehicles. When a road section is already being examined for structural or drainage-related problems, controlling heavy vehicle movement can help reduce additional stress.

The traffic restrictions are therefore being implemented as part of the broader effort to protect the road while corrective work is underway.

 A project costing around Rs 4,200 crore

The Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway was developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 4,200 crore. Its foundation stone was laid on January 5, 2022.

The project was designed to improve connectivity between Lucknow and Kanpur and provide a faster high-speed road corridor.

The maximum designated speed is around 120 kilometres per hour. At such speeds, road quality, drainage, pavement strength and traffic safety become particularly important.

 Modern technology used in the project

The expressway incorporates several modern technologies for construction, monitoring and traffic management.

Automated Intelligence Machine Guided Construction, or AIMGC, technology has been used in the construction process.

The expressway also has a large network of surveillance cameras designed to monitor traffic conditions and road activity.

These systems include Pan-Tilt-Zoom cameras, interchangeable-lens cameras and Video Image Detection System cameras.

Extensive surveillance network

Around 100 modern surveillance cameras have been installed along the expressway.

The network includes 63 PTZ cameras that can be moved and adjusted to monitor different directions and sections of the road.

There are also 21 interchangeable-lens cameras, allowing lenses to be changed depending on monitoring requirements.

In addition, 16 VIDS cameras have been installed to support video-based detection and monitoring.

Such systems can assist authorities in identifying traffic disruptions, incidents and other problems more quickly.

Control rooms and roadside facilities

Control rooms have been established around kilometre 27 near Bani and kilometre 35 in the Unnao area.

The expressway also includes roadside facilities at Jargaon and Shivpur Grant, designed to provide services and assistance to travellers.

These facilities are part of the wider infrastructure developed alongside the expressway.

 A 63-kilometre corridor

The Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway is approximately 63 kilometres long and is intended to provide faster connectivity between the two major Uttar Pradesh cities.

Around 46,000 trees have reportedly been planted along both sides of the expressway as part of the project.

The corridor also includes traveller assistance and communication facilities designed to support motorists.

 Final technical report awaited

The preliminary laboratory report has brought the drainage issue into focus, but the complete cause of the repeated road sinking will only become clear after the detailed technical assessment by IIT Kharagpur.

The final recommendations are expected to identify the sections requiring additional pavement strengthening and the improvements needed in the drainage network.

Before the expressway is fully opened and toll operations begin, ensuring the stability of the road and effectiveness of the drainage system will remain a key priority.

The next major development will be the comprehensive technical report and the corrective measures implemented on the basis of its recommendations.