Asansol Removes Decorative Road Paint Near Shaheed Bhagat Singh More After Kolkata Skidding Incidents Raise Safety Concerns
By Angshuman Banerjee | NEWZ ON AIR
ASANSOL, WEST BENGAL: Asansol Removes Road Paint After Kolkata Skidding Incidents.Road safety has become a major concern in West Bengal following reports of multiple two-wheeler skidding incidents on Kolkata’s freshly painted Chingrighata Flyover. Taking precautionary measures, civic authorities in Asansol have initiated the removal of decorative road paint near the busy Shaheed Bhagat Singh More, according to the information provided for this report.
The move comes amid growing concerns about the safety of smooth painted road surfaces during rainy weather. While colourful road markings and decorative designs are often introduced as part of urban beautification projects, the recent incidents have highlighted the importance of choosing materials that provide adequate grip for vehicles.
The action in Asansol is aimed at addressing potential risks before similar problems arise on local roads, particularly as traffic increases during the festive season.
Kolkata Skidding Incidents Trigger Road Safety Concerns
The reported incidents on Kolkata’s Chingrighata Flyover on October 14 have drawn attention to the possible dangers of freshly painted road surfaces in wet conditions.
According to the information available for this report, several motorcycle riders reportedly lost control on the newly painted surface. Rainwater and smooth paint layers may have contributed to reduced tyre traction, raising concerns about the suitability of certain decorative coatings on busy roads.
Two-wheelers can be particularly vulnerable when road surfaces become slippery. Unlike larger vehicles, motorcycles rely on relatively small areas of tyre contact with the road. A sudden loss of grip while braking, turning or changing lanes can cause a rider to lose balance.
The risk may increase during rainfall, when water reduces the friction available between tyres and the road surface. Road markings made with unsuitable materials or without sufficient surface texture can create additional hazards.
The reported incidents have therefore renewed questions about how decorative road treatments are selected, tested and maintained in urban areas.
Asansol Takes Precautionary Action Near Shaheed Bhagat Singh More
Following the safety concerns emerging from Kolkata, municipal workers in Asansol have reportedly begun removing decorative paint near Shaheed Bhagat Singh More.
The location is an important traffic junction in the industrial city, where road safety and the smooth movement of vehicles remain essential for daily commuters.
Workers have been deployed to remove the freshly painted surface using scraping tools and other equipment. The precautionary measure is intended to reduce the possibility of slippery conditions developing on the treated stretch, particularly during rain.
Rather than waiting for an accident to occur, the reported action reflects a preventive approach to road maintenance. However, the effectiveness of the measure will depend on the condition of the underlying road surface and the way the removal work is completed.
Road users should also remain cautious around areas where maintenance work is underway. Temporary obstructions, uneven surfaces and loose material can create additional risks if the work zone is not properly managed.
The development has also brought attention to the responsibility of civic bodies to evaluate road conditions before introducing new decorative features.
Why Painted Roads Can Become Slippery During Rain
Decorative road painting is commonly used to improve the appearance of streets, highlight traffic islands and create visually distinctive public spaces. When properly designed and installed, road markings can also help communicate traffic rules and guide motorists.
However, not every type of paint is suitable for every road surface.
Some smooth coatings can reduce tyre grip, especially when wet. The level of risk depends on several factors, including the material’s composition, surface texture, application thickness, road gradient, drainage and the condition of vehicle tyres.
Paint that appears safe during dry weather may behave differently after rainfall. Water can make an already smooth surface more difficult to navigate, particularly for motorcycles and scooters.
Nighttime visibility is another important consideration. Bright colours and reflective surfaces can sometimes produce glare under streetlights or vehicle headlights. If markings are poorly designed or placed, they may distract drivers or make it harder to distinguish important road features.
These risks do not mean that all road paint is unsafe. Instead, they underline the need to use road-marking products specifically designed for traffic environments and to follow appropriate engineering standards.
Anti-Skid Materials May Offer a Safer Alternative
The concerns have renewed interest in road treatments that prioritise traction over appearance alone.
One possible solution is the use of anti-skid coatings containing suitable aggregates that create a textured, high-friction surface. These products are designed for applications where maintaining grip is important, although their actual performance depends on the product specifications, installation and road conditions.
Specialist engineers should assess the suitability of such materials before they are applied to busy traffic corridors.
Another option is to use conventional road-marking systems that meet applicable performance and visibility requirements. These can provide clear traffic guidance without unnecessarily covering large areas of the carriageway with decorative paint.
For nighttime visibility, raised pavement markers, commonly known as road studs or cat’s eyes, may also be considered where appropriate. When correctly installed and maintained, these markers can help drivers identify road edges, lane divisions and changes in alignment.
The choice of solution should be based on the purpose of the marking, traffic volume, weather exposure and the characteristics of the road.
Simply replacing one type of paint with another will not guarantee safety. Proper surface preparation, installation, drainage and regular inspection are equally important.
Asansol Removes Road Paint After Kolkata Skidding Incidents
Pre-Durga Puja Beautification Faces Greater Scrutiny
Urban beautification projects often gather momentum before major festivals, when civic authorities work to improve public spaces, decorate streets and enhance the appearance of important junctions.
In West Bengal, such efforts can help create a more welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors. Decorative road treatments may also contribute to the visual identity of a city when they are planned carefully.
However, road safety must remain the first priority.
The reported developments in Kolkata and Asansol raise an important question: should decorative improvements be introduced on busy roads without first assessing how the materials perform during rainfall?
Any project involving public roads should include a technical evaluation of the proposed materials, their resistance to skidding and their suitability for local weather conditions.
Where corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding supports beautification work, the selection and installation of materials should still follow the relevant technical requirements. Funding arrangements should not replace independent safety checks or proper engineering supervision.
Authorities can also consider testing materials on suitable sections before extending a treatment across a larger road network.
Such precautions may help prevent avoidable accidents while allowing cities to continue improving their public spaces.
What Should Commuters Do During Rainy Weather?
Until road surfaces have been assessed and any necessary maintenance has been completed, motorists should take additional care when travelling in wet conditions.
Two-wheeler riders should reduce their speed when approaching painted junctions, road markings, flyover sections and other surfaces that may become slippery. Sudden braking, sharp turns and rapid acceleration can increase the chance of losing control.
Drivers should maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead and avoid abrupt movements, particularly when approaching traffic signals or congested intersections.
Motorcyclists should also ensure that their tyres have adequate tread and are properly maintained. Worn tyres can reduce grip and make wet-weather riding more dangerous.
Pedestrians should remain alert around maintenance areas and use designated crossings wherever possible.
These precautions cannot eliminate every risk, but they can help reduce the likelihood of accidents while road conditions are being evaluated.
The Need for Regular Road Safety Inspections
The developments have highlighted the importance of inspecting road treatments after installation rather than relying solely on their initial appearance.
A comprehensive inspection should consider whether the material provides sufficient friction in both dry and wet conditions, whether it remains visible at night and whether it deteriorates under regular traffic.
Drainage should also be checked to ensure that water does not accumulate on the road. Even a well-designed surface can become hazardous if standing water creates a risk of skidding or aquaplaning.
Where a potential danger is identified, authorities should assess whether the marking needs to be modified, replaced or removed. Any removal work should be completed carefully so that the underlying road remains safe for traffic.
Clear communication with commuters is equally important. Temporary signs, visible barriers and traffic-management arrangements can help motorists navigate maintenance zones safely.
Regular monitoring can help civic bodies identify problems early and avoid the need for emergency intervention after an accident.
Road Safety Must Come Before Urban Aesthetics
The reported removal of decorative road paint near Shaheed Bhagat Singh More is a reminder that urban development must balance appearance with public safety.
Colourful streets and attractive public spaces can improve the experience of living in a city. But when decorative treatments are applied to surfaces used by moving vehicles, their safety performance must take precedence over visual appeal.
The concerns following the Chingrighata Flyover incidents have created an opportunity for authorities to review material selection, installation practices and inspection procedures across the region.
For Asansol, the immediate priority is to ensure that the affected stretch remains safe for motorists while suitable long-term solutions are evaluated.
As cities continue their beautification efforts, the guiding principle should be straightforward: roads must remain safe in the conditions in which people actually use them, including during heavy rain and at night.
NEWZ ON AIR will continue to follow developments concerning road safety and civic infrastructure in Asansol and across West Bengal.