Lucknow – With the India‑West Indies T20 showdown fast approaching, Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium is contending with a far less glamorous opponent: waist‑deep water. Torrential rain has caused the Gomti River to burst its banks, inundating streets surrounding the arena and turning a quick five‑minute ride into a drawn‑out 40‑ to 45‑minute slog.
Underpass Closed as Water Levels Surge
The floodwaters forced the closure of the underpass that feeds Gate No. 2. Officials have erected barricades and deployed traffic police to reroute vehicles onto alternate streets. The shutdown has created a massive spill‑over effect, with drivers reporting heavy congestion on the adjacent thoroughfares.
Everyday Commuters Feel the Impact
Motorbikes and cars alike are navigating ankle‑ to knee‑deep pools, blurring the line between road and sidewalk. With the primary underpass out of service, nearby arteries are choked, stretching a normally five‑minute trip to nearly three‑quarters of an hour.
Supporters Brace for Longer Journeys
Organisers expect thousands of fans to flock to the stadium for Tuesday’s match. The current flooding threatens to compound parking chaos and could push arrival times back considerably. Authorities are gearing up for a two‑fold challenge: maintaining regular city traffic flow while handling the surge of match‑day vehicles.
Drainage System Under Scrutiny
This sudden deluge has revived criticism of Lucknow’s drainage network. The knee‑deep water pooling around a major sports venue highlights the city’s susceptibility to rapid river level spikes, especially on high‑profile event days.
The India‑West Indies T20 is scheduled for 6 October at Ekana Stadium. With massive public interest expected, traffic officials remain on high alert, ready to tweak routes and keep spectators moving safely despite the watery obstacle.
