Lucknow – With the India‑West Indies T20 showdown fast approaching, the Ekana Cricket Stadium is confronting a very different adversary: ankle‑deep water. Torrential rain has caused the Gomti River to burst its banks, submerging several streets near the arena and turning a quick five‑minute ride into a drawn‑out 40‑ to 45‑minute slog.
Underpass at Gate 2 Cut Off by Rising Waters
Floodwater rushed into the underpass that serves Gate 2, forcing authorities to seal the route to all vehicles. Concrete barricades now block entry, while traffic police direct drivers toward alternative passages. The shutdown has created a massive spill‑over onto adjacent roads, where motorists report severe congestion.
Everyday Travelers Feel the Impact
Both two‑wheelers and cars are navigating ankle‑ to knee‑deep pools, blurring the line between drivable lanes and sidewalks. With the main underpass unavailable, nearby arteries are clogged, and a trip that normally lasts five minutes can swell to nearly three‑quarters of an hour.
Supporters Face Longer Journeys to the Stadium
Event planners expect thousands of fans to converge on the venue for Tuesday’s match. The current flooding threatens to worsen parking snarls and could push arrival times back considerably. Officials are preparing for a two‑fold challenge: handling routine city traffic while accommodating the surge of match‑day vehicles.
Drainage System Under Scrutiny
The sudden deluge has revived criticism of Lucknow’s drainage network. The 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 6 October at Ekana Stadium. With the match drawing massive public interest, traffic crews remain on high alert, ready to reroute vehicles and keep spectators moving safely despite the watery obstacle.
