Rainbow roads lose sheen as skid scare forces safety fixes
Kolkata authorities are mechanically scrubbing newly painted rainbow roads and installing anti-skid studs after multiple two-wheelers skidded following rain, sparking a road-safety controversy. The pre-Durga Puja beautification drive, initially defended as using anti-skid material, is now undergoing fixes, with police imposing restrictions on two-wheelers during rain.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the critical importance of public safety in urban planning and infrastructure projects, especially when aesthetic initiatives might inadvertently compromise functionality. It underscores the need for rigorous testing and expert consultation in public works.
KOLKATA: Kolkata roads, in the final lap of Durga Puja preparations, witnessed an unusual sight of mechanical scrubbers working overtime, apparently to remove layers of paint that had been applied with much fanfare only a few days ago. KMDA also installed anti-skid reflective road studs and reflective buttons on flyovers, while police announced restrictions on the movement of two-wheelers on them during rain.The administration’s action followed a wave of social media posts purportedly showing multiple two-wheelers skidding on the rainbow-painted Chingrighata flyover after Wednesday’s rain. The videos elicited criticism from bikers and motorists, turning the colourful pre-puja beautification drive into a road-safety controversy and forcing govt agencies into damage-control mode.Most motorists questioned whether the multi-colour coating had the skid-resistant thermoplastic material prescribed for road markings.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in