WATCH: 3 Bikes Skid On Painted Kolkata Flyover As It Turns Slippery After Beautification Drive

A festive makeover on a Kolkata flyover has raised questions about commuter safety after three motorcycles skidded one after another while navigating a turn on a brightly painted stretch of road. The incident, which took place on October 14 on the Chingrighata Flyover, was captured on a car’s dashcam, with the footage drawing attention to the potential risks of applying decorative paint to road surfaces.

A colourful makeover ahead of Durga Puja has raised road safety concerns after three bikes skidded in quick succession on Kolkata’s Chingrighata Flyover. (Image Source – X)

The road had reportedly been painted in multiple colours ahead of Durga Puja, one of West Bengal’s biggest festivals. However, the incident has raised concerns about whether the painted surface provided sufficient grip for vehicles, particularly two-wheelers negotiating a bend.

The dashcam video shows three motorcycles losing control in quick succession as their riders attempt to navigate a turn on the flyover. The repeated skidding has brought the condition of the road surface under scrutiny, with concerns emerging over the safety of commuters travelling along the stretch.

Turns can require riders to maintain a careful balance while steering, making adequate tyre grip particularly important for two-wheelers. A slippery road surface can increase the risk of losing control, especially when riders are leaning into a bend.

Although the precise cause of the skidding has not been established, the footage has prompted questions about the type of paint used on the road and whether its impact on traction was considered before the decorative work was carried out. No injury was reported regarding the incident.

Festive Road Makeover Raises Safety Concerns

The colourful road treatment was reportedly part of the preparations for Durga Puja, when streets and public spaces across Kolkata receive elaborate decorations. While decorative lighting, installations and painted surfaces can contribute to the festive atmosphere, the incident has raised questions about the suitability of painting areas used by moving vehicles.

The concern is particularly significant on flyovers and curved stretches, where riders need adequate traction to steer safely. The footage has prompted calls for greater attention to road safety when public infrastructure is decorated for festivals.

Social Media Users Question Decision To Paint Road

The dashcam footage has also triggered reactions online, with social media users questioning whether painting the road surface was an appropriate choice, given the potential risks to motorists.

One user highlighted the dangers of using different colours on roads, particularly around bends, writing, “Painting a road with different shades of colours poses extreme driving risks specially during turns and moderately high speed. Decorating the railings and pillers are fine but not the actual road.”

Another user raised concerns about how the surface might behave during rainfall, commenting, “I saw this bridge video yesterday & first thought was if it rains it’s going to cause chaos. How can authorities miss such a basic thing.”

Surbhi Kaul is a journalist at Times Now Digital, currently contributing t… Surbhi Kaul is a journalist at Times Now Digital, currently contributing to the Viral section. She closely tracks top trends—especially those dominating Google search—and crafts timely, engaging stories that strike a chord with a wide digital audience. With a sharp instinct for what resonates online, she has published several original features that go beyond the usual buzz and bring fresh angles to the conversation. She began her journey at Times Now Digital in June 2024 as part of the City team, where she covered crime, civic issues, and infrastructure developments through exclusives, explainers, and in-depth articles. She has also contributed to the India and Lifestyle desks, working on several key stories—including an exclusive piece featuring Kashmiri Pandits recalling the horrors of 1990 in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack. Whether covering pop culture trends or pressing social issues, Surbhi believes in telling stories with depth—written in a way that’s both clear and compelling. Many of her stories have been widely appreciated and shared across social media platforms. In her leisure time, you’ll likely find her vibing to music from various genres, dancing, or travelling to new places. View MoreView Less