Company under lens for Kanpur expressway lapses wins Rs 3,483 crore projects

India TodayIndependentCenter22 hr. ago

PNC Infratech, an infrastructure company currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for alleged bribery related to highway projects, has been awarded two new highway projects totaling Rs 3,483 crore by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). These projects involve the construction of two four-lane highways in Uttar Pradesh under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). However, the company is already facing scrutiny due to significant structural defects in the recently completed Rs 4,200-crore Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway, which developed severe cracks and damage shortly after its inauguration. The NHAI has labeled PNC Infratech a 'non-performer' and is considering blacklisting the firm. Despite these concerns, the company has managed to secure new contracts, raising questions about the decision-making process behind awarding such large-scale projects to a company under regulatory review.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about PNC Infratech's legal troubles, the condition of the Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway, and the awarding of new projects. It does not exhibit overt bias, as it reports on both the company's issues and the NHAI's actions without taking a stance or using loaded语言

India TodayIndependentCenteryesterday

Heavy rainfall caused a major slip on the Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway, prompting authorities to deploy large electric fans to dry the waterlogged roadbed. The damage has led to traffic diversions, safety concerns, and complaints from motorists about incorrect toll charges and driving on the wrong side. The incident has raised questions about construction quality, as similar issues were reported just weeks earlier. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a technical investigation and ordered inspections of the entire expressway. Construction firm PNC Infratech faces allegations of lapses and could be declared a non-performing contractor, with the company liable for repair costs.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of infrastructure failure and its consequences without overtly criticizing or praising any political entity. It reports on the technical and administrative responses, including investigations and accountability measures, without taking a clear ideological slant