Lucknow Begins Key Project To Reduce Waterlogging

Lucknow has launched a long-delayed drainage project in Alambagh, signalling a push towards improved flood resilience in one of the city’s busiest neighbourhoods. The new structure, spanning nearly one kilometre from Basant Tower to the Alambagh crossing, aims to provide lasting relief from seasonal waterlogging that has repeatedly disrupted mobility, local commerce, and public safety. City officials say the ₹1.48-crore initiative reflects a broader commitment to strengthening basic urban infrastructure as Lucknow grows denser and more climate-vulnerable.

According to a senior municipal engineer, the Alambagh corridor has long been a bottleneck during heavy rainfall, with inadequate drains causing stormwater to spill onto roads and shopfronts. The new drain is designed to channel runoff more efficiently, reducing the burden on the existing network. “This will significantly improve monsoon preparedness and ease everyday life for residents and commuters,” the official said, adding that the project aligns with the city’s ongoing efforts to modernise older neighbourhoods. Local business owners have also welcomed the move, noting that repeated flooding has affected footfall and increased maintenance costs. A shopkeeper near the project site said seasonal waterlogging often forced establishments to shut early or spend heavily on temporary barriers and pumps. Many hope the improved drainage will create a safer, more accessible public realm, particularly for pedestrians, elderly residents, and street vendors who face the brunt of disrupted mobility.

During the foundation-laying ceremony, city leaders highlighted the importance of public participation in sustaining urban improvements. The mayor reiterated directives issued by the state government urging citizens to exercise vigilance when employing workers and to follow identity verification protocols. While these remarks pertained to broader governance concerns, municipal officials emphasised that community cooperation remains essential for maintaining safe, inclusive neighbourhoods and supporting long-term urban development. Urban planners note that while the new drain is a welcome upgrade, Lucknow still requires a larger, integrated stormwater strategy that considers climate impacts, green infrastructure solutions, and equitable access. “Individual drains help in the short term, but the city must move toward a networked, climate-resilient system,” said a city planning expert. They added that features such as permeable surfaces, restored natural waterways, and regular maintenance schedules are necessary to prevent flooding in rapidly urbanising areas.

The Alambagh project, once completed, is expected to reduce disruptions for thousands of daily commuters who rely on the corridor to access markets, transport hubs, and residential clusters. Officials say construction will be phased to minimise traffic inconvenience, with the goal of completing the work before the next monsoon cycle. As Lucknow expands, investments in essential services like drainage, waste management, and mobility infrastructure are increasingly critical. The new drain may be a modest intervention, but it marks an important step toward building a city where resilience, safety, and accessibility are shared priorities across all communities.

Also Read: Kochi Moves To Modernise City Water System

Lucknow Begins Key Project To Reduce Waterlogging