Lucknow – With the India‑West Indies T20 showdown fast approaching, the Ekana Cricket Stadium is confronting a drastically different opponent: a rising tide of water. Torrential rains have caused the Gomti River to burst its banks, inundating several streets around the arena and turning a quick five‑minute ride into a drawn‑out 40‑ to 45‑minute slog.
Underpass at Gate No. 2 Swamped by Floodwater
Water rushed into the underpass that serves Gate No. 2, forcing officials to close the passage to all vehicles. Barriers now seal the entrance, while traffic police direct drivers toward alternative routes. The shutdown has created a massive spill‑over onto adjacent roads, where motorists report severe congestion.
Everyday Commuters Stuck in 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 service, nearby arteries are gridlocked, stretching a normally five‑minute trip to nearly three‑quarters of an hour.
Supporters Brace for Longer Journeys to the Stadium
Event organisers expect thousands of fans to converge on the venue for Tuesday’s clash. The present flooding threatens to aggravate parking snarls and could push arrival times back considerably. Authorities are preparing for a two‑fold challenge: managing routine city traffic while accommodating the surge of match‑day vehicles.
Drainage Infrastructure Under Scrutiny
The sudden deluge has reignited criticism of Lucknow’s drainage system. The knee‑deep water pooling around a major sporting complex highlights the city’s susceptibility to rapid river‑level rises, especially on high‑profile event days.
The India‑West Indies T20 is scheduled for October 6 at Ekana Stadium. With massive public interest expected, traffic officials remain on high alert, ready to reroute vehicles and keep spectators moving safely despite the watery obstacle.
