Asansol, West Bengal: Road beautification work in Asansol has taken a new turn, with workers beginning to remove decorative paint near Shaheed Bhagat Singh More following safety concerns raised by motorcycle accidents on Kolkata’s Chingrighata flyover.
The move comes after a video showing multiple motorcyclists losing control on a freshly painted stretch of the Chingrighata flyover went viral on social media. The incidents reportedly occurred when the road surface was wet following drizzle, prompting questions about the safety of painted road surfaces.
Following the developments in Kolkata, the painted stretch in Asansol was also cleared, with the road reportedly returning to its earlier appearance by Thursday morning, October 15.
The decorative painting initiative had been undertaken ahead of Durga Puja as part of efforts to enhance the appearance of roads and public spaces. The project received support through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding from paint manufacturers.
West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul has said that authorities are examining the concerns and considering safer alternatives. Expert engineering advice is being sought to ensure that beautification initiatives do not compromise the safety of commuters.
The Chingrighata incidents have brought renewed attention to the importance of road-surface grip, particularly during rainy conditions. While decorative road painting can improve the visual appeal of public infrastructure, the choice of materials and their suitability for vehicular traffic remain important safety considerations.
Authorities are now under pressure to ensure that future beautification projects maintain an appropriate balance between aesthetics and road safety.
