Kolkata’s Chingrighata flyover has raised road-safety concerns after IIT-Kharagpur expert Bhargab Maitra identified reduced surface friction as a risk for motorcycles on the recently painted stretch. The flyover’s mastic asphalt layer is over 13 years old, and multiple paint layers may have further lowered surface roughness, affecting tyre grip and increasing skidding risks, especially on curves and downward gradients, according to livemint.com.
Maitra inspected the flyover and pointed out that the ageing mastic asphalt no longer provides sufficient frictional resistance for safe vehicle movement. He noted that repeated coats of paint, while improving the flyover’s appearance, have smoothened the surface, reducing tyre grip. The flyover’s design, including its curves and downward slopes, combined with the surface condition, could pose hazards, particularly for two-wheelers with lower stability and smaller tyre contact areas.
The expert highlighted that motorcycles are more vulnerable to skidding due to reduced surface friction because their smaller tyre contact area makes maintaining control harder, especially on bends or sloping sections. The risk of accidents could rise during wet conditions or sudden braking. This situation underscores the challenges of maintaining older infrastructure with cosmetic upgrades that may inadvertently compromise safety, a concern for urban road management in India.
Bhargab Maitra’s assessment was reported by livemint.com on October 19, 2026, following his inspection of the Chingrighata flyover. The findings have prompted calls for a review of the flyover’s surface treatment to ensure adequate friction and rider safety, particularly for two-wheelers that constitute a significant portion of Kolkata’s traffic.