Kolkata, 15 October (H.S.) : A significant development has emerged in the investigation into multiple motorcycle skidding incidents on the Chingrighata Flyover during recent rainfall, with authorities identifying reckless digital content creation rather than civic decorative paint as the primary factor. According to Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nanda, preliminary inquiries indicate that motorists attempting to record mobile phone videos and social media reels while riding compromised vehicular control, resulting in the crashes.

Commissioner Nanda largely dismissed widespread public speculation attributing the loss of traction to decorative roadway coloring. He emphasized that project engineers had certified the application of anti-skid paint along the corridor, stating that evidence does not support claims linking the material directly to the accidents. Highlighting the geometric layout of the infrastructure, Nanda observed that the affected section of the Chingrighata Flyover features a sharp curvature. Operating mobile devices to capture footage while negotiating this curved section at elevated speeds, he noted, significantly heightens the probability of skidding and severe destabilization.

Following the occurrences on Wednesday, civic authorities installed cat's-eye road studs across the accident-prone stretch and mounted cautionary speed-restriction signage reading 'Go Slow' to enforce deceleration. Commissioner Nanda indicated that as a precautionary measure during inclement weather, traffic authorities may temporarily restrict two-wheeler movement across the Chingrighata Flyover during heavy downpours. He added that the Gariahat Flyover has not exhibited similar traffic vulnerabilities because it does not possess an acute bend.

Responding to concerns surrounding urban beautification initiatives, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul stated that public safety remains paramount. Paul noted that if civic embellishments inadvertently compromise commuter safety during rain or adverse conditions, the administration will thoroughly evaluate public feedback and deploy necessary engineering interventions, affirming that metropolitan aesthetics will not take precedence over passenger security.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh