The controversy over painted roads and flyovers in West Bengal has intensified after a video purportedly showing motorcycles skidding on a freshly coloured surface at Kolkata’s Chingrighata flyover went viral on social media. The state government has begun removing paint from several locations, including Gariahat, while reflective cat’s-eye road studs have been installed at Chingrighata as part of measures to address safety concerns.
On Wednesday night, mechanised road-cleaning machines and labourers were seen washing away the coloured surface at Gariahat. The development has raised questions about the safety of the pre-Durga Puja beautification drive, under which roads, bridges and flyovers across West Bengal have received colourful makeovers.
.@paulagnimitra1 says the painting wasn’t done with public money. Fine, then tell us whose money is being used to remove it now? 🤔 If the paint was so unnecessary that it had to be removed at the first sign of trouble, why paint the flyover in the first place? First paint it, then remove it, and then dodge accountability. Is this what governance looks like under the BJP? Bengal deserves answers, not excuses!
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) October 15, 2026
The controversy has also reached Asansol, where paint applied to a road at Shahid Bhagat Singh More was reportedly removed overnight. By Thursday morning, the stretch had returned to its earlier appearance.
Chingrighata Flyover Video Sparks Road Safety Concerns
The issue came into focus after a video circulated on social media on Wednesday, apparently showing three motorcycles skidding and falling one after another on a newly painted flyover surface in Kolkata.
The footage, posted by Sayandip Lahiri, appeared to have been recorded using a vehicle’s dashboard camera. However, its authenticity could not be independently verified.
The incident triggered concerns among road users about whether the coloured surfaces could affect tyre grip, particularly during wet weather. The possibility of glare from brightly painted stretches has also become a point of discussion.
⚠️ Bike skids on Chingrighata flyover! Rainbow paint ruins grip (from ~70 to 20) and fills expansion joints, making it dangerous in the rain. Roads are black for a reason: asphalt provides vital traction. Keep art off the road for safety! https://t.co/FMyGEWqJks
— Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay (@SanghamitraLIVE) October 14, 2026
Following the incident, reflective cat’s-eye studs were installed at regular intervals on the Chingrighata flyover. The road studs are intended as a road-safety measure as the authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the reported skids.
Gariahat Road Paint Removed, Asansol Also Takes Action
The removal of paint at Gariahat marks another development in the growing debate over the state’s road beautification initiative.
Road-cleaning machines and manual labour were used to wash off the coloured surface late on Wednesday. The work followed concerns about the safety of painted roads, particularly on stretches where two-wheelers make frequent use of the carriageway.
In Asansol, the painted road at Shahid Bhagat Singh More was also reportedly stripped of its colour overnight. Officials have considered anti-skid treatment amid concerns that the surface could become slippery in wet conditions.
The bright colours have also prompted complaints about glare, raising questions about their suitability for roads used by motorists throughout the day and night.
Agnimitra Paul Says Anti-Skid Paint Is Being Examined
Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul, whose department is overseeing the initiative, has maintained that the paint being used is anti-skid. She also said the police and administration were examining the circumstances surrounding the Chingrighata 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.
UTTER LUNACY PRODUCES RESULTS Whoever was the arsehole to come up with the genius asinine idea of painting roads with acrylic paint, Dorji kakima included, should be charged with attempt to murder I doesnt take rocket science how dangerous is this act of painting roads https://t.co/Yfw9Lxuoz5
— Flying Lancer Полковник Раджен Bhaduri (@LancerFlying) October 14, 2026
Addressing the removal of paint and the installation of reflective road studs, the minister said that steps were being taken to prevent injuries despite the use of anti-skid colours.
Asked about the colours being washed away Paul said that even though the colours were “anti-skid” they were being washed and cat’s eyes were being installed to ensure that “nobody gets hurt.”
Paul also acknowledged that the bright surfaces had caused concerns among some 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.
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Suvendu Adhikari Questions Link Between Paint and Accidents
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari questioned whether there was sufficient evidence to establish a connection between the painted roads and the reported accidents.
“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.
His remarks came as the authorities faced growing scrutiny over the implementation of the road-colouring project and its implications for public safety.
Durga Puja Road Beautification Faces Safety Questions
The colourful makeover of roads, bridges and flyovers across West Bengal was introduced as part of a broader beautification programme ahead of Durga Puja. The initiative has received a positive response in several areas, bringing a different appearance to stretches that traditionally feature black asphalt.
However, the Chingrighata incident and the subsequent removal of paint at Gariahat and Asansol have shifted the focus towards road safety.
The key concerns include tyre grip on painted surfaces, the potential effects of wet weather and glare caused by bright colours. These issues are particularly relevant on flyovers and busy roads used by two-wheelers.
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With reflective studs installed at Chingrighata and painted surfaces removed at other locations, these developments have placed road safety at the centre of the debate over West Bengal’s pre-Durga Puja beautification drive. The authorities’ examination of the incident and their response to motorists’ complaints will remain important as the initiative comes under greater scrutiny.