A major water pipeline rupture near Nahariya Crossing in Lucknow's Alambagh area has created significant traffic disruptions since last Wednesday. Authorities have indicated that the necessary repairs are on track and should be completed within this week.
Construction Work Linked to Pipeline Damage
According to project manager Farid Ahmad, the damage to the pipeline is directly connected to ongoing construction work for a concrete underpass. The underpass, being built by Setu Nigam, required a slight shift of a previously installed box structure towards Awadh Crossing.
This technical adjustment inadvertently disturbed the underlying road structure and the utility lines running beneath it, which ultimately led to the pipeline bursting. The incident highlights the complex challenges of urban infrastructure development in densely packed areas.
Traffic Chaos on a Critical Route
The location of the burst is particularly problematic as the stretch feeds directly into the crucial Lucknow-Agra Expressway. This route bears the brunt of heavy vehicle movement as well as routine city traffic throughout the day, making it perpetually congested.
Until the repairs are fully wrapped up and the road surface settles, officials have strongly advised commuters to seek alternate routes to avoid the bottleneck. The call for diversions aims to manage the flow and prevent complete gridlock in the zone.
Commuters Voice Patience and Hope for Future Relief
Daily commuters have expressed a mix of frustration and understanding. Niharika Pandey, who travels the stretch every day, acknowledged that the congestion is currently unavoidable. She did, however, commend the traffic police for managing the chaotic flow with notable patience.
Another regular traveler, Rakesh Singh, viewed the issue as a short-term inconvenience. He expressed optimism that once the underpass project is completed and opens to the public, movement around the busy junction should ease noticeably, offering long-term relief.
The situation in Alambagh serves as a reminder of the temporary disruptions often accompanying major infrastructure upgrades in growing cities like Lucknow.