Lucknow – With the India‑West Indies T20 showdown just days away, the Ekana Cricket Stadium is confronting a very different adversary – ankle‑deep water. Torrential rains have 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 at Gate 2 Shut Down by Rising Waters
A surge of water rushed into the underpass that serves Gate 2, prompting officials to seal the passage. Barricades now block vehicle entry and traffic personnel are directing drivers toward alternative routes. The closure has forced a massive spill‑over onto adjacent roads, where motorists report severe congestion.
Consequences for Everyday Travelers
Both two‑wheelers and four‑wheelers are forced to navigate ankle‑ to knee‑deep pools, blurring the line between drivable lanes and footpaths. With the primary underpass out of service, surrounding arteries are clogged, stretching a normally five‑minute trip to nearly three‑quarters of an hour.
Supporters Face Longer Journeys to the Stadium
Event organisers expect thousands of fans to converge on the venue for Tuesday’s match. The present flooding threatens to aggravate parking bottlenecks and could significantly delay spectators’ arrival times. Authorities are bracing for a dual challenge: handling routine city traffic while accommodating the surge of match‑day vehicles.
Drainage System Under Scrutiny
The abrupt inundation has revived criticism of Lucknow’s drainage capacity. Knee‑deep water pooling 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 expected, traffic officials remain on high alert, ready to reroute vehicles and keep fans moving safely despite the watery hurdle.
