The West Bengal government has ordered an investigation after a video purportedly showed three motorcyclists skidding on the freshly painted Chingrighata flyover in Kolkata during light rain on October 14, 2026. The incident has raised concerns about whether the colourful road beautification drive ahead of Durga Puja has compromised commuter safety.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed officials to examine the incident, while Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul said police and technical experts had been tasked with establishing the cause. The government maintains that anti-skid paint was used, but authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether corrective measures, including removing some of the paint, are necessary. The footage has not been independently verified.
Bikers Skid On Wet Flyover
The footage, reportedly captured by a car’s dashboard camera, shows multiple motorcyclists travelling along the brightly painted Chingrighata flyover on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass when they appear to lose control and fall as rain wets the road. According to Hindustan Times, at least three motorcyclists were involved in the incident on Tuesday afternoon, October 13, and police said none was injured. Bidhannagar Police Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) M.K. Sanjaykumar said the cause had not yet been established, noting that accidents on rain-soaked roads had occurred previously.
Minister Agnimitra Paul said a team comprising the state Director General of Police, Kolkata Police Commissioner, Bidhannagar Police officials, municipal representatives and technical experts had been sent to inspect the roads and flyovers. She added that if the paint was found to be contributing to the problem, it could be removed. The video has also been referred to the police for verification amid questions about its authenticity.
Beautification Drive Faces Questions Over Road Safety
The incident has renewed concerns raised before the reported skidding. Kolkata-based automobile expert S.M. Ghosh had warned that heavily painted road surfaces could reduce tyre grip in wet conditions, increasing the risk of vehicles losing control during braking or turning. West Bengal Congress general secretary Ashutosh Chatterjee had also written to Paul and Kolkata Municipal Corporation Commissioner Smita Pandey, flagging potential safety hazards associated with painting active roadways.
The government, however, has maintained that anti-skid paint was used for the beautification project. The colourful makeover forms part of preparations for Durga Puja, with the Chingrighata and Gariahat flyovers, Red Road and other public spaces receiving bright shades and decorative designs. Paul said the work was undertaken through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and did not involve government funds. While the initiative was intended to give Kolkata a festive appearance, the reported incident has placed the choice of materials, road conditions and safety checks under scrutiny.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Public spaces can be made more attractive without compromising the safety of the people who use them every day. Kolkata’s colourful Durga Puja preparations reflect the city’s festive spirit, but any beautification project involving roads and flyovers must put commuters first. The investigation should establish whether the paint contributed to the reported skidding, whether appropriate road-safety standards were followed and who is responsible if any lapses are found.
Authorities should communicate their findings transparently, take timely corrective action and ensure that similar projects undergo proper technical assessments before being opened to traffic. At the same time, the discussion should remain focused on evidence, accountability and solutions rather than political blame. Should road beautification projects undergo mandatory safety checks before being opened to commuters, especially during rainy weather? Share your views in the comments.
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