Persistent monsoon showers across the West Bengal capital turned hazardous at the Chingrighata flyover in Kolkata, where multiple two-wheelers lost traction and crashed onto the carriageway. A widely circulated video capturing three motorcycles sliding consecutively triggered intense public scrutiny regarding commuter safety. Observers and commuters immediately pointed fingers at the bright decorative patterns recently applied across the asphalt for the Durga Puja festivities.
Midday Mishaps on the Chingrighata Corridor
Officials attached to the Bidhannagar traffic police recorded two distinct motorcycle skidding occurrences along the elevated corridor around 12:30 pm. Initial assessments confirmed that neither incident led to major trauma or life-threatening harm for the riders involved. While the absence of high-speed collisions prevented fatalities, the rapid succession of falls instantly prompted widespread debate over whether public infrastructure should be painted for festive displays.
Tarmac Art Versus Weather Conditions
Public chatter swiftly attributed the sudden loss of wheel grip to the slick finish left by ornamental coatings on wet asphalt. Critics questioned whether the downpour alone caused the slickness or if the fresh layers of paint compromised essential vehicular friction. Currently, technical specialists have yet to establish a direct causal link confirming that the painted surface was the sole trigger behind the skidding episodes.
Administrative Orders and Safety Review
Agnimitra Paul, West Bengal Minister for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, announced that teams were assigned to carry out an on-site survey and uncover the precise dynamics of the accidents. Paul indicated that if the inquiry reveals that recent color coatings compromise either roadway visibility or vehicular grip, alternative arrangements will be introduced promptly to safeguard routine transit.
Chief Minister Questions Premature Blame
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari voiced skepticism against hastily blaming the decorative murals before technical teams submit their findings. Questioning the rush to judgment, Suvendu Adhikari remarked, “Why should I comment without visiting the spot?” State agencies are currently reviewing drainage gradients, surface friction coefficients, and the chemical composition of the street art to determine accountability.
