Kolkata authorities have begun removing coloured paint from roads and flyovers after safety concerns emerged over motorcycles reportedly skidding on a newly painted surface at Chingrighata, with reflective cat’s-eye studs now installed on the flyover as a precaution.
The response followed the circulation of a social media video that appeared to show three motorcycles skidding and falling one after another on the coloured flyover surface on Wednesday. The footage, posted by Sayandip Lahiri and apparently recorded from a vehicle’s dashboard camera, could not be independently verified.
At Gariahat, road-cleaning machines and manual labourers were used late on Wednesday to wash away the paint applied as part of a pre-Durga Puja beautification exercise. The removal of the freshly applied surface has intensified questions about the safety of using bright coatings on roads, bridges and flyovers, particularly on routes used heavily by two-wheelers.
At Chingrighata, reflective road studs, commonly called cat’s eyes, were installed at regular intervals. The measure was described as a road-safety response after concerns that the painted surface may have contributed to motorcycles losing traction. The available report does not establish that the paint caused the falls, and the circumstances are being examined by the police and administration.
Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul said the paint being used was anti-skid and that officials had been informed about the incident. “One bike fell down and hit another bike in front of it. We do not know why it fell. The police and administration have been informed about the matter. They are looking into it,” Paul said.
Paul also said that coloured surfaces were being washed away and that cat’s eyes were being installed to ensure that “nobody gets hurt.” She acknowledged complaints that the bright surfaces could create glare for road users. “I have heard that the colours are dazzling for many people. We are looking into that. If people are facing difficulties, an alternative arrangement will also be made,” she said.
The issue has also reached Asansol, where paint applied at Shahid Bhagat Singh More as part of the beautification drive was reportedly removed overnight. The stretch had returned to its earlier appearance by Thursday morning. Officials there were also considering anti-skid treatment amid concerns that coloured surfaces could become slippery in wet weather and produce glare.
The road-colouring programme has been implemented across several parts of West Bengal ahead of Durga Puja, replacing the conventional black asphalt appearance with colourful finishes. While the initiative has received a positive response in some areas, the removal of paint at multiple locations and the installation of additional road studs have shifted attention towards how such treatments perform under traffic, rain and changing light conditions.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, when asked about the reported Chingrighata incident, questioned whether there was evidence linking the accidents to the painted roads. “Do accidents happen because of painting? On how many flyovers have accidents occurred?” he asked, adding that he would not comment further without complete information. Police and administrative authorities are continuing to examine the Chingrighata episode, while officials are considering alternative arrangements where glare or traction concerns persist.
