The Gomti Barrage bridge in Lucknow, connecting Samta Mulak Chauraha to Balu Adda, will be closed for 45 days from May 8 to June 15 as part of a modernization project by the irrigation department. This closure will facilitate the replacement of the last four gates of the barrage, which are critical for maintaining water supply to the Kudiyaghat Pumping Station, serving a large population in Lucknow and surrounding areas. The barrage, built between 1980 and 1983, features 10 gates that regulate water levels for domestic use and irrigation while managing flood situations during heavy rainfall. Chief Engineer Upendra Singh noted that the gates have suffered from corrosion over decades, prompting a phased replacement program initiated in 2024. The new gates are being manufactured at an ISO-certified workshop in Bareilly, with each gate constructed in two sections. To ensure continuous water supply during the repairs, a coffer dam has been built upstream. Singh emphasized that while the bridge closure may cause short-term inconvenience, it is essential for the long-term safety and reliability of the barrage.