Lucknow – As the India‑West Indies T20 match looms, the city’s Ekana Cricket Stadium is battling a different kind of opponent: knee‑deep water. Heavy rains have swollen the Gomti River, flooding several streets around the venue and turning a routine five‑minute commute into a drawn‑out 40‑ to 45‑minute ordeal.
Rising Waters Seal Off Key Underpass
Water surged into the underpass that serves Gate No. 2, prompting officials to bar vehicles from the route. Barricades now block entry, and traffic officers are on hand to steer drivers toward alternate corridors. The closure has forced a massive spill‑over onto surrounding roads, where motorists report severe bottlenecks.
Impact on Daily Commuters
Both two‑wheelers and four‑wheelers are wading through ankle‑ to knee‑deep pools, making it hard to differentiate between drivable lanes and footpaths. With the primary underpass shut, nearby arteries are clogged, and a journey that usually takes five minutes can stretch to nearly three‑quarters of an hour.
Fans Face a Longer Road to the Stadium
Organisers anticipate thousands of supporters converging on the stadium for Tuesday’s clash. The current flooding threatens to exacerbate parking snarls and could delay fans’ arrival times considerably. Authorities are bracing for a dual challenge: managing regular city traffic while accommodating the surge of match‑day vehicles.
Drainage Woes Under the Spotlight
The sudden inundation has reignited criticism of Lucknow’s drainage infrastructure. The knee‑deep water pooling around a major sporting arena underscores the city’s vulnerability to rapid river level rises, especially during peak event days.
The India‑West Indies T20 is slated for October 6 at Ekana Stadium. With the match drawing massive public interest, traffic officials remain on high alert, ready to adjust routes and keep spectators moving safely despite the watery obstacle.
