Lucknow – With the India‑West Indies T20 showdown just days away, the Ekana Cricket Stadium is confronting a far less glamorous opponent: ankle‑deep water. Torrential rain has caused the Gomti River to burst its banks, inundating streets surrounding the venue and turning a quick five‑minute ride into a drawn‑out 40‑ to 45‑minute slog.
Underpass at Gate 2 Swamped by Rising Waters
The surge forced the closure of the underpass that links Gate 2 with the main thoroughfare. Barriers now block vehicle entry and traffic personnel are directing motorists to alternate routes. The shutdown has created a massive spill‑over effect, with surrounding roads quickly becoming choke points.
Everyday Travelers Caught in the Deluge
Both two‑wheelers and four‑wheelers are forced to navigate ankle‑ to knee‑deep puddles, blurring the line between drivable lanes and sidewalks. With the primary underpass out of service, nearby arteries are clogged, stretching a normally five‑minute trip to nearly three‑quarters of an hour.
Supporters Face Longer Journeys to the Stadium
Organisers expect thousands of fans to converge on Ekana for Tuesday’s match. The current flooding threatens to aggravate parking snarls and could push arrival times well beyond expectations. Authorities are preparing for a two‑fold challenge: handling routine city traffic while accommodating the surge of match‑day vehicles.
Drainage System Under Scrutiny
The abrupt inundation has reignited criticism of Lucknow’s drainage capacity. The knee‑deep water pooling around a premier sporting 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 public interest soaring, traffic officials remain on high alert, ready to reroute vehicles and keep spectators moving safely despite the watery obstacle.
