Lucknow – With the India‑West Indies T20 showdown fast approaching, the Ekana Cricket Stadium is wrestling with an unexpected adversary: ankle‑deep floodwater. Torrential monsoon rains have caused the Gomti River to swell, inundating several thoroughfares surrounding the venue and stretching a routine five‑minute ride into a grueling 40‑ to 45‑minute trek.
Key Underpass Shut Down by Rising Waters
Water has poured into the underpass that serves Gate No. 2, forcing officials to seal the passage. Concrete barricades now block vehicle entry, while traffic wardens direct motorists toward alternative routes. The closure has triggered a massive spill‑over onto adjacent streets, where drivers report snarled traffic and long queues.
Consequences for Daily Travelers
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 commission, nearby arteries are congested, turning a typical five‑minute commute into a near‑hour ordeal.
Fans Face Extended Journey to the Stadium
Organisers expect thousands of supporters to converge on the arena for Tuesday’s match. The current flooding threatens to aggravate parking bottlenecks and could push fan arrival times well beyond schedule. Authorities are bracing for a dual 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 systems. 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 slated for 6 October at Ekana Stadium. With massive public interest, traffic officials remain on high alert, prepared to reroute vehicles and keep spectators moving safely despite the watery obstacle.
