Kolkata is taking bold strides to bolster women’s safety amid growing concerns over nighttime security. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced two groundbreaking initiatives by the Kolkata Police, set to commence immediately, aimed at empowering women and ensuring their confidence on the streets.
In a post on X, Banerjee revealed that pink booths—manned exclusively by female officers—will operate from evening until midnight at key city intersections. These booths offer direct access to police assistance, allowing women to seek help swiftly and securely without hesitation.
Complementing this, ‘Shining’ women’s mobile patrol units, as named by the Chief Minister, will hit the roads from 8 PM to 2 AM. Focused on high-traffic areas like EM Bypass and other routes popular with working women, these patrols promise round-the-clock vigilance during vulnerable hours.
Banerjee emphasized Kolkata’s longstanding reputation as India’s safest city, crediting these unique measures with further fortifying that status. ‘My sisters in the city can now move freely,’ she added, underscoring the initiatives’ role in fostering a safer urban environment.
This comes on the heels of the West Bengal government’s recent hike in the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme payouts. On February 5, Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya proposed an interim budget for 2026-27, increasing monthly aid by Rs 500 per beneficiary. General category women now receive Rs 1,500, while SC/ST women get Rs 1,700, backed by a Rs 15,000 crore allocation.
These combined efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to women’s empowerment, blending immediate security enhancements with financial support to promote independence and safety across the state.