The unprecedented torrential rain triggered severe waterlogging on the Ganga Expressway near the Bashiratganj toll plaza in Unnao on Saturday, disrupting traffic on the state’s ambitious 594-km infrastructure project. Unnao recorded 65 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to Saturday morning, according to the India meteorological department.
Motorists reported that culverts and side drains appeared choked, causing farm runoff to flow directly onto the carriageway. By Saturday morning, the stretch of the expressway near the toll plaza resembled a pond. Observers also noted that the road level at this particular section is lower than the adjoining fields, facilitating the collection of rainwater.
The accumulation began late Friday following two days of incessant rainfall, according to local residents.
With further rainfall predicted across Eastern and Central Uttar Pradesh over the next 48 hours, authorities are reportedly working to clear drainage obstructions and reinforce embankments in low-lying areas to prevent further submergence. Commuters stranded at the scene expressed frustration over a lack of immediate assistance, noting that maintenance teams or officials were not visible for several hours. If it gets submerged during the monsoon, what will happen during floods?” remarked one commuter travelling towards Hardoi.
“We were told this is an all-weather expressway.
