New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has terminated the user fee collection contract awarded to Skylark Infra Engineering Pvt. Ltd. at the Bara Fee Plaza on the Lucknow–Sultanpur stretch of NH-731 in Uttar Pradesh, citing a serious incident involving alleged misconduct with a highway user.
The action follows an incident on January 14, 2026, in which personnel deployed by the agency allegedly assaulted a National Highway user. Considering the gravity of the matter, NHAI has also issued a show-cause notice proposing to debar the agency from future NHAI bids and contracts for one year.
In addition, the authority has initiated the forfeiture and encashment of the bank guarantee and performance security amounting to ₹5.3 crore submitted for the Bara Fee Plaza contract.
NHAI said the incident constitutes a serious breach of contractual obligations, which require toll collection agencies to ensure disciplined conduct by their staff and prohibit any form of misconduct or misbehaviour with the public. The authority termed the episode a gross failure in supervision and discipline by the contractor.
Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct at toll plazas, NHAI said it remains committed to providing a safe and secure commuting experience for all highway users. The authority added that strict action would be taken against any agency found violating contractual terms or compromising public safety.
The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of toll plaza operations and user conduct across national highways, with NHAI signalling tougher enforcement to improve service standards and public confidence.