State takes corrective steps after bikes skid on painted roads

Kolkata, Oct. 15 -- The administration has initiated corrective measures on painted road surfaces across Bengal after bike-skidding incidents on the rain-soaked Chingrighata flyover, with cat's-eye road studs installed at Chingrighata, the painted surface being scraped at Gariahat and colours removed from Asansol's Bhagat Singh More.

At Chingrighata, reflective cat's-eye studs have been installed as a precautionary measure. Authorities have taken steps to increase friction on the surface. At Gariahat flyover, workers and mechanised equipment were deployed to scrub or scrape the painted layer to make the surface rougher. In Asansol, the rainbow paint applied at Bhagat Singh More was removed overnight.

The measures followed a viral video purportedly showing motorcycles skidding on the freshly painted Chingrighata flyover after rain, triggering concerns over road safety.

Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister Agnimitra Paul maintained that anti-skid paint had been used and said the exact cause of the incidents was being investigated. She said the paintwork was funded through corporate social responsibility initiatives by the paint company, without using government funds.

"I do not know whether the allegation that the motorcycles fell due to the paint is based on sound evidence or not. Making of some videos were attempted.

We have installed cats' eye and 'go slow' boards have been put up. In case of rain, we are going to restrict motorcycles for safety measures. As per the engineers, the paint has anti skid properties," said CP Kolkata Ajay Nand.

The developments have drawn criticism from the Opposition. MAITC MLA Kunal Ghosh questioned why the colours were applied if they had to be removed and who would be held accountable for the accidents.

The West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee also raised concerns over the beautification drive, questioning the priority given to painting roads instead of repairing potholes and damaged stretches.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.