Lucknow: The Lucknow divisional administration has intensified its monitoring of public infrastructure projects to ensure quality and transparency. Acting on complaints regarding substandard road construction in Chinhat Ward-II, Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant conducted an on-site inspection of the project at Vikalp Khand on Wednesday.
The road improvement work—covering routes from House No. 3/93 to 3/207, 3/194-N, 3/215, 3/421 to 3/412, 3/406 to 3/400, 3/423 to 3/376, 2/178 around the park, and 1/5 to 1/9—is being executed using funds provided by the Lucknow Development Authority. A total of ₹27.58 lakh, including savings from the e-tender process, has been allocated for the project.
Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar, local councillor Shailendra Verma, Additional Municipal Commissioner Namrata Singh, Zonal Officer Shilpa Kumari, Executive Engineer (Civil), Zonal officials, and a large number of local residents accompanied the Divisional Commissioner during the inspection. Residents expressed strong dissatisfaction over the poor quality of roadwork and raised several complaints before the officials.
Officials informed the Divisional Commissioner that only the DBM (Dense Bituminous Macadam) layer had been laid as patchwork so far, while the final BC (Bituminous Concrete) layer was yet to be applied. However, some stretches were found to contain substandard materials. Acting immediately, the Municipal Corporation removed the defective portions through its departmental team.
Taking serious note of negligence, the Municipal Corporation imposed a ₹50,000 penalty on the contractor under the order dated 15.11.2025. Additionally, the contractor has been debarred for one year from participating in any future municipal works. An FIR is also being lodged against the contractor under relevant sections at the local police station.
Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant issued stern instructions on-site, stating that any form of negligence or poor-quality work in public projects would not be tolerated. He emphasised strict, continuous monitoring of all construction activities and directed the formulation of a robust Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure compliance with quality norms.
“Public funds must be utilised with complete transparency and responsibility. Any lapse will invite strict action,” Commissioner Pant said, assuring residents that the road construction would soon be completed as per prescribed standards.
The administration has reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, quality, and timely execution of civic infrastructure projects in the city.
