Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Repairs: Akhilesh Yadav Mocks Use of Pedestal Fans To Dry Road After Video Goes Viral
Repair work on the newly opened Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway in Unnao has sparked political criticism after pedestal fans were used to dry fresh asphalt patches. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned infrastructure quality, citing rapid deterioration just weeks after inauguration. Scroll below to watch the video.
Repair work on a newly patched stretch of the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district has drawn public attention after approximately 10 industrial fans (pedestal fans) were reportedly deployed to dry the fresh asphalt. The unconventional method has since gone viral online, triggering a fresh political debate regarding infrastructure standards in the state. The maintenance activity is underway at kilometre 64 of the expressway, where portions of the recently opened route required temporary patchwork following initial surface wear caused by rain.
Political Backlash Over Infrastructure Quality
The viral footage prompted sharp criticism from opposition leaders, notably Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who questioned the durability and execution of the state's flagship road projects. Uttar Pradesh: Human Remains Found in Suitcase Aboard Tamil Nadu Express at Agra Cantt Station, Video Surfaces.
Who Will Take the Risk of Driving on an Expressway That's Already Starting To Crumble, Says Akhilesh Yadav
ये है भाजपाई तरक़्क़ी की नई हवा… कुछ दिनों पहले ही जिसका उद्घाटन हुआ हो उस सड़क को मरम्मत की ज़रूरत पड़ गई और एक्सप्रेस स्पीड से मरम्मत को सुखाने के लिए पंखे का इस्तेमाल किया जा रहा है ये भी हास्यास्पद है। 2-3 हफ़्ते में ही जिस एक्सप्रेसवे का दम उखड़ने लगा है उस पर चलने का जोखिम… pic.twitter.com/zfoydUzRAL
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) August 6, 2026
Sharing the video on social media, Yadav wrote, "This is the new wind of BJP-style progress... A road that was inaugurated just a few days ago already needs repairs, and fans are being used at express speed to dry the repairs—this too is laughable. Who will take the risk of driving on an expressway that's already starting to crumble in just 2-3 weeks?" Yadav also raised questions regarding other regional infrastructure blueprints, asking whether proposed initiatives like the Atal Progress Way would ever materialise beyond paper. " Every construction done under BJP rule runs less... and collapses, caves in, and falls more," he said.
Context and Ongoing Repairs on Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway
The Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway has faced public and political scrutiny following reports of localised surface depressions and minor wear shortly after its inauguration. Authorities and maintenance teams have been carrying out rectification work to secure the affected patches. Uttar Pradesh: Viral Video Shows Substandard Mid-Day Meal Being Served to Sitapur Govt School Students.
Viral Video Shows Pedestal Fans Being Used To Dry the Patch Work on Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway
Pedestal fans being used to dry the patch work after the multiple portions of the Lucknow-kanpur expressway was damaged barely a forthnight after inauguration. https://t.co/MuYnS6A4jL pic.twitter.com/n8PNElhnsS
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) August 6, 2026
According to project contractors, the deployment of fans was intended to accelerate the drying process of the fresh patch material under humid weather conditions, though the visuals have intensified broader concerns over the long-term quality and speed of public works delivery in Uttar Pradesh.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 06, 2026 05:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
