Lucknow – With the India‑West Indies T20 showdown fast approaching, the Ekana Cricket Stadium is confronting a far more soggy opponent: rising floodwaters. Torrential rains have caused the Gomti River to burst its banks, inundating several avenues near the ground and stretching a typical five‑minute ride into a 40‑ to 45‑minute slog.
Underpass at Gate 2 Swamped, Vehicles Barred
Water rushed into the underpass that serves Gate 2, forcing authorities to seal the passage with barricades. Traffic personnel are on site directing motorists toward alternative routes, but the shutdown has created a massive spill‑over onto adjacent streets, where drivers report severe congestion.
Commuters Grapple With Knee‑Deep Puddles
Both two‑wheelers and four‑wheelers are forced to navigate ankle‑ to knee‑deep pools, blurring the line between drivable lanes and sidewalks. With the primary underpass out of commission, nearby arteries are choked, turning a quick five‑minute trip into a near‑hour journey.
Supporters Face Longer Road to the Match
Organisers expect thousands of fans to converge on the stadium for Tuesday’s encounter. The present flooding threatens to worsen parking bottlenecks and could push arrival times well beyond schedule. Officials are preparing for a two‑fold challenge: maintaining 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 capacity. The knee‑deep water pooling around a major sporting venue highlights the city’s susceptibility to rapid river‑level spikes, especially on high‑profile event days.
The India‑West Indies T20 is set for October 6 at Ekana Stadium. With massive public interest, traffic teams remain on high alert, ready to reroute vehicles and keep spectators moving safely despite the watery hurdle.
