Lucknow – With the India‑West Indies T20 fixture approaching, the Ekana Cricket Stadium is confronting a different kind of hurdle: ankle‑deep floodwater. Torrential rains have caused the Gomti River to overflow, inundating streets surrounding the ground and turning a five‑minute drive into a 40‑to‑45‑minute slog.
Underpass Shut Down by Rising Waters
Water rushed into the underpass that serves Gate 2, forcing officials to prohibit vehicle entry. Barricades now seal the passage, and traffic personnel are directing motorists to alternative routes. The blockage has pushed a torrent of cars onto neighboring streets, where drivers report serious congestion.
Effect on Everyday Travelers
Both motorcycles and cars are forced to navigate ankle‑ to knee‑deep puddles, blurring the line between road and sidewalk. With the main underpass out of service, adjacent arteries are choked, stretching a normally five‑minute trip to almost forty‑five minutes.
Supporters Brace for Longer Journeys
Organisers expect thousands of fans to converge on the venue for Tuesday’s match. The present flooding threatens to worsen parking gridlock and could delay arrivals significantly. Authorities are preparing for a two‑fold challenge: handling routine city traffic while coping with the surge of match‑day vehicles.
Drainage System Under Scrutiny
The sudden deluge has revived criticism of Lucknow’s drainage capacity. The knee‑deep water gathering around a major sports complex highlights the city’s susceptibility to rapid river‑level spikes, especially on high‑profile event days.
The India‑West Indies T20 is scheduled for October 6 at Ekana Stadium. With massive public interest, traffic officials remain on high alert, ready to reroute vehicles and keep spectators moving safely despite the watery obstacle.
