LUCKNOW, Oct. 16 -- Toll collection on the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway will remain suspended until the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is satisfied that the road meets prescribed quality standards, officials familiar with the matter said on Thursday. Nearly three months after potholes and damaged stretches raised concerns over construction quality, the authority is insisting on a comprehensive assessment before allowing toll collection to resume. Inaugurated on July 13, the e-way was expected to reduce travel time between Lucknow and Kanpur from around 90 minutes to 35-40 minutes. However, complaints about damaged road surfaces and repair work within weeks of its opening raised questions about construction quality. A road slippage near kilometre 64 on July 26 prompted further scrutiny. NHAI suspended toll collection on August 5 and ordered an assessment of the pavement. It also initiated action against the concessionaire, independent engineer and officials allegedly responsible for lapses. NHAI project manager Navratna said motorists could continue using the expressway without paying toll while quality assessments were underway. The authority has not announced a confirmed date for resuming toll collection, which will depend on the findings of the assessments and NHAI's approval.htc...