In a major move aimed at strengthening urban safety infrastructure, Mamata Banerjee has announced new initiatives to improve women safety in Kolkata. The West Bengal Chief Minister revealed plans to introduce Pink Booths and all-women mobile patrol teams named SHINING, designed specifically to assist women travelling during late evening and night hours.

The announcement highlights the government’s efforts to maintain Kolkata’s reputation as one of the safest metropolitan cities in India, while also addressing growing public concerns about women's security.

The initiatives will be implemented by Kolkata Police, which will oversee the deployment of officers, patrol units and infrastructure required to operate the programme effectively.

Pink Booths to Strengthen Women Safety in Kolkata

One of the key measures under the new plan is the establishment of Pink Booths at major intersections across the city. These booths will be staffed by women police officers and will function during evening and night hours.

According to the government, the purpose of these booths is to provide immediate assistance to women who may require help while travelling in the city.

Women can approach these booths to:

• Seek help in emergency situations

• Report harassment or suspicious activity

• Ask for directions or travel support

• Contact police quickly if they feel unsafe

The Pink Booths will operate from evening hours until midnight, ensuring that assistance is available during the time when many working women commute home.

Officials say the booths are designed to create visible safety points across the city, encouraging women to feel confident while travelling.

SHINING Mobile Patrol Teams Introduced

Alongside the Pink Booths initiative, the state government has also announced all-women mobile patrol teams called SHINING.

These special patrol units will consist entirely of women police personnel.

The SHINING patrol teams will operate from 8 pm to 2 am, covering key areas of the city where women often travel during late hours.

The patrol routes will include major roads such as the EM Bypass, which is widely used by office-going professionals and night-shift workers.

The patrol teams will also monitor other busy urban corridors and transport routes where women frequently commute.

Their responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring public safety in late-night zones

• Assisting women commuters facing difficulties

• Responding quickly to emergency calls

• Deterring crimes through visible police presence

Authorities believe that regular patrolling by dedicated women teams will increase both safety and confidence among female commuters.

Mamata Banerjee’s Message on Women Safety

In a message shared publicly, Mamata Banerjee said that the initiatives are designed specifically to support women working late hours.

She emphasised that many women in the city travel home at night after work and need reliable safety mechanisms.

The Chief Minister stated that through these Pink Booths, women will be able to connect directly with women officers for assistance whenever needed.

She also highlighted that the SHINING patrol teams will actively monitor roads frequently used by working women.

Banerjee expressed confidence that the initiatives will further strengthen the safety ecosystem in Kolkata.

Claim That Kolkata Is the Safest City

During the announcement, Mamata Banerjee asserted that Kolkata has consistently remained the safest city in the country.

According to her statement, the city has maintained this position for several years due to effective policing and administrative measures.

The government believes that introducing Pink Booths and SHINING patrol teams will enhance the existing safety framework even further.

Officials say the initiatives will act as preventive measures, reducing the likelihood of crimes and improving public confidence in law enforcement.

Role of Kolkata Police in Implementation

The Kolkata Police will be responsible for implementing and managing the entire programme.

Officials are expected to release further details regarding:

• The number of Pink Booths to be installed

• Locations of these booths across the city

• Patrol routes for SHINING teams

• Deployment schedules and staffing

Authorities may also introduce technology support systems, including emergency contact facilities and communication networks linking booths with police control rooms.

Such integration could help reduce response times during emergencies.

Political Debate Over Women Safety

The announcement of these safety measures comes at a time when women safety in West Bengal has become a major political issue.

Recently, Rekha Gupta criticised the West Bengal government during a political programme in Kolkata.

She alleged that the state government had failed to adequately address crimes against women.

Her criticism referenced high-profile cases such as the RG Kar hospital doctor rape and murder incident and the Durgapur rape case.

Gupta argued that despite having a woman Chief Minister, women in the state were not receiving adequate protection.

Her comments triggered a political debate between leaders of the ruling party and the opposition.

Government Response to Criticism

The West Bengal government has maintained that law enforcement agencies are continuously improving safety measures.

Officials say that initiatives like Pink Booths and SHINING patrol teams demonstrate the administration’s commitment to protecting women.

Supporters of the government argue that visible policing and targeted initiatives are effective ways to deter crimes.

They also highlight that Kolkata has often been ranked among the safer metropolitan cities in India based on crime statistics.

Importance of Night Safety Measures

Experts believe that urban safety measures focusing on night hours are particularly important.

Many women in large cities work in sectors such as:

• Healthcare

• IT and technology services

• Hospitality

• Media

• Aviation

These professions often require employees to travel late at night.

Therefore, initiatives like dedicated patrol teams and help booths can play a crucial role in providing reassurance and support.

Visible policing in public spaces can also discourage potential offenders.

Growing Focus on Women Safety in Indian Cities

Across India, several state governments and police departments have introduced programmes focused on women safety in public spaces.

These measures include:

• Women helpline numbers

• Dedicated police patrol units

• Surveillance cameras in public areas

• Self-defence training programmes

• Emergency response systems

The introduction of Pink Booths and SHINING patrol teams reflects a broader national trend toward strengthening safety infrastructure for women.

Cities are increasingly adopting community-focused policing models to build trust between citizens and law enforcement.

Expected Impact of the Initiative

If implemented effectively, the new initiatives could bring several benefits.

Potential outcomes include:

• Faster police response during emergencies

• Greater confidence among women commuters

• Reduced harassment incidents in public areas

• Stronger community interaction with police

Visible safety infrastructure such as Pink Booths also helps create psychological reassurance, which experts say is important for encouraging women’s participation in urban workplaces and nightlife.

What Happens Next

Officials from the Kolkata Police are expected to announce detailed operational plans later.

These details will likely include:

• Exact locations of the Pink Booths

• Number of SHINING patrol vehicles

• Deployment of women officers

• Coordination with emergency response units

The government hopes to roll out the programme quickly so that women commuters begin benefiting from the new safety measures soon.

Conclusion

The announcement of Pink Booths and SHINING mobile patrol teams represents a significant step in the West Bengal government’s strategy to strengthen women safety in Kolkata.

By deploying women police officers, night patrol teams and accessible safety booths, the administration aims to ensure that women travelling during late hours feel protected and supported.

While the initiative has sparked political debate, it also highlights the growing importance of targeted urban safety programmes in major cities.

As the implementation begins, the effectiveness of these measures will ultimately be judged by how well they improve security and confidence among women across Kolkata.

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