New Delhi: In the run-up to Durga Puja, flyovers in Kolkata are receiving a colorful makeover, with vibrant shades of orange, pink, and yellow transforming familiar stretches of concrete into festive canvases. The West Bengal government has initiated the beautification effort ahead of the state's biggest annual celebration, featuring bright festive colors alongside intricate Bengali alpona designs, a traditional folk art known for decorative patterns usually created with rice paste during religious and festive ceremonies.
Social media footage captured by local bloggers has documented the ongoing painting work at prominent city structures, including the Gariahat and Chingrighata flyovers. One local vlogger recorded a bike ride along the Gariahat bridge, showing one side painted in bright hues while traffic continued to move on the opposite side. Meanwhile, a Reddit user shared an aerial perspective of the Chingrighata flyover following its festive transformation, highlighting vivid rainbow-inspired bands of color.
Traditional alpona motifs have also been applied beneath the Park Circus connector and at junctions like Garia More, according to reports from the Press Trust of India. Several other popular bridges and flyovers across the city are slated to receive similar treatments prior to the festivities.
While inspecting work at the Gariahat bridge, West Bengal urban development minister Agnimitra Paul characterized the project as an expression of affection and faith tied to public trust in the administration. Paul encouraged citizens to visit other enhanced public areas in the city, such as Red Road and the river ghats, while noting that additional alpona designs are being crafted under the direction of the Kolkata Police Commissioner.
As the festival approaches, the decorated flyovers and traditional motifs are expanding Kolkata's festive atmosphere beyond traditional pandals and neighborhood streets, integrating the spirit of celebration directly into the city's everyday infrastructure.