According to a senior government official, the debarment covers Theme Engineering Services in association with Ishita Info Solutions, as well as both entities in their individual capacities. The official said the decision was taken under the powers available to NHAI through the consultancy agreement governing the independent engineer’s responsibilities.
NHAI cited serious lapses in the discharge of contractual obligations. These included an alleged failure to exercise the required professional diligence and to ensure effective supervision and quality surveillance of pavement, embankment and slope protection works, reinforced-earth structures, drainage systems and related safety and maintenance assets.
The development comes after NHAI extended to PNC Infratech the debarment imposed on its subsidiary and concessionaire, Awadh Expressway. PNC Infratech had earlier disclosed that the authority had applied the subsidiary’s debarment to the parent company. The action against Theme Engineering Services concerns its role as the project’s independent engineering consultant.
NHAI suspended toll collection on the Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway last month after facing criticism over damage to the road. Widespread complaints had focused on damaged sections and patchwork at several locations on the 63-km expressway within weeks of its inauguration on July 13. The incident has raised scrutiny of construction quality, supervision and maintenance arrangements on newly commissioned highway projects.