Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has criticised the Uttar Pradesh government after heavy rain caused waterlogging on parts of the Ganga Expressway, sharing a video of the affected stretch on social media and sarcastically suggesting a new name for the road.
Yadav said the expressway should be called the “Ganga Express Waterway” after water accumulated at a toll plaza in Unnao following prolonged rainfall.
In his post on X, the Samajwadi Party leader alleged that “rivers of BJP corruption” were flowing on the expressway and described the situation as condemnable. His remarks came as heavy rain and strong winds disrupted normal life across several parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Ganga Expressway Hit By Severe Waterlogging
The waterlogging was reported around the Sonik toll plaza in Unnao, where rainwater accumulated after hours of continuous rainfall. Reports said several parts of the toll area and adjoining service road were submerged, affecting the movement of vehicles.
A trailer truck was also left stranded after water entered the area. Authorities and the agency responsible for the expressway deployed equipment to remove the accumulated water and improve drainage.
The incident has again brought attention to drainage arrangements along the expressway during periods of intense rainfall. Similar waterlogging had been reported in the area during earlier heavy rain spells.
Akhilesh Yadav Targets UP Government
Reacting to the visuals, Yadav questioned the condition of the newly developed expressway and used the waterlogging to target the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government.
He suggested that those involved in renaming places and projects should consider renaming the Ganga Expressway as the “Ganga Express Waterway”.
Yadav also alleged that corruption was responsible for the condition seen on the expressway. These were political allegations made by the Samajwadi Party leader and have not been independently established by the reports cited here.
Heavy Rain Affects 63 UP Districts
The political row came against the backdrop of widespread heavy rainfall across Uttar Pradesh. According to reports, 63 districts recorded above-normal rainfall, while intense showers, thunderstorms and strong winds caused damage in several areas.
Rain-related incidents also led to deaths and injuries across the state. Reports cited incidents involving collapsing mud walls and uprooted trees, while houses and standing crops were also damaged.
The heavy rainfall caused waterlogging in several urban and rural areas, disrupted traffic and affected electricity supplies in some locations.
Authorities Remain On Alert
With more rain forecast in parts of Uttar Pradesh, district administrations have been asked to monitor vulnerable areas and remain prepared for emergencies.
Rescue and relief teams have also been kept ready in areas facing the possibility of flooding or further rain-related incidents.
The waterlogging on the Ganga Expressway has meanwhile become a fresh political flashpoint, with the Opposition using the visuals to question infrastructure and drainage arrangements while authorities continue efforts to clear the affected areas.
