Lucknow – With the India‑West Indies T20 showdown fast approaching, the Ekana Cricket Stadium is confronting a very different adversary: ankle‑deep water. Torrential showers have caused the Gomti River to burst its banks, inundating several avenues surrounding the arena and turning a routine five‑minute drive into a drawn‑out 40‑ to 45‑minute ordeal.
Underpass Shut Down by Rising Waters
A surge of water rushed into the underpass that provides access to Gate No. 2, forcing officials to prohibit vehicular entry. Barricades now seal the passage, while traffic personnel direct motorists toward alternative routes. The blockage has generated a massive spill‑over onto adjacent streets, where drivers report severe congestion.
Consequences for Everyday Commuters
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, nearby arteries are jammed, stretching a normally five‑minute trip to nearly three‑quarters of an hour.
Supporters Face Extended Journeys
Event organisers expect thousands of fans to converge on the stadium for Tuesday’s clash. The present flooding threatens to worsen parking bottlenecks and could significantly delay supporters’ arrival times. Authorities are gearing up for a dual challenge: managing 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. Knee‑deep water pooling around a major sporting venue 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 October 6 at Ekana Stadium. With massive public interest, traffic officials remain on high alert, ready to reroute vehicles and keep spectators moving safely despite the watery obstacle.
