Lucknow – With the India‑West Indies T20 showdown fast approaching, the Ekana Cricket Stadium is confronting a different kind of challenge: flood‑filled streets. Torrential rain has caused the Gomti River to overflow, submerging several access routes and turning a quick five‑minute ride into a drawn‑out 40‑ to 45‑minute trek.
Underpass at Gate 2 Closed Due to Rising Water
Water poured into the underpass that serves Gate 2, forcing officials to shut the passage to all vehicles. Barricades now block entry, and traffic personnel are directing drivers toward alternative routes. The closure has created a massive spill‑over onto adjacent roads, where motorists report severe congestion.
Consequences for Everyday Travelers
Both scooters and cars are forced to navigate ankle‑deep to knee‑deep pools, blurring the line between drivable lanes and sidewalks. With the main underpass out of service, nearby thoroughfares are jammed, and a journey that normally takes five minutes can swell 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 worsen parking bottlenecks and could push arrival times back significantly. Authorities are preparing for a two‑fold task: handling routine city traffic while also managing the surge of match‑day vehicles.
Drainage System Under Scrutiny
The sudden inundation has revived criticism of Lucknow’s drainage capacity. Knee‑deep water gathering around a major sports complex highlights the city’s susceptibility to rapid river‑level spikes, especially on days of high‑profile events.
The India‑West Indies T20 is scheduled for 6 October at Ekana Stadium. Given the massive public interest, traffic officials remain on high alert, ready to reroute vehicles and keep spectators moving safely despite the watery hurdle.
