Lucknow‑Kanpur Expressway repair draws political criticism over construction quality

Repair work on the Lucknow‑Kanpur Expressway has become a flashpoint in Uttar Pradesh politics. Within weeks of its inauguration, sections of the road collapsed, prompting emergency repairs. Workers used large fans to dry the pavement after rain, a scene captured on video and widely shared on social media.

Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav seized on the footage, accusing the state government of shoddy construction and questioning the safety of the newly opened route. He highlighted the rapid deterioration and called the use of fans to dry the road "absurd," urging scrutiny of the project’s quality and the risks to commuters. The government says repairs are ongoing and the issue remains under review.