In a bid to strengthen safety for women navigating the city at night, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Kolkata Police have launched a series of targeted initiatives including all‑women “Pink Booths” and specialised night patrol teams. The move, announced at the end of February, aims to provide visible support and direct assistance to women commuters and residents, particularly during hours when safety concerns are heightened.

Under the programme, a number of Pink Booths — staffed entirely by female police personnel — have been installed at key intersections and busy areas across Kolkata. These booths are designed to be operational from evening until midnight, giving women a safe space to seek help, report concerns, or simply obtain information about their surroundings as they travel after dusk. The initiative was highlighted by Banerjee in a post on social media platform X, where she underscored the need for women to have direct access to female officers for assistance.

According to the Kolkata Police, the Pink Booths are equipped with essential communication tools, first aid supplies and CCTV coverage, creating a supportive environment that aims to enhance women’s confidence while out on the streets after dark. Early deployments of these booths have taken place at high‑traffic locations such as Shyambazar, Gariahat, Behala Chowrasta and other major junctions, with additional sites expected to be added based on public feedback and incident patterns.

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The women’s safety initiative also includes the launch of mobile patrol units known as “SHINING” teams, staffed entirely by trained women officers. These patrols are scheduled to operate during peak night‑time hours, typically from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., focusing on main thoroughfares such as EM Bypass and other major roads where women face greater exposure to safety risks. Police officials have emphasised that these teams are intended not only for rapid response but also for visible deterrence against harassment or crime.

City residents have responded positively to the initiatives, welcoming the added support systems while also expressing hopes for broader expansion. Some civil society groups have noted that tangible measures — such as dedicated booths and patrols — can improve women’s perceptions of safety, especially for those who work late hours or travel alone at night. Officials say they will continue to assess the coverage and effectiveness of the programme as it progresses.

The launch of Pink Booths and SHINING patrols complements ongoing efforts by the Kolkata Police to modernise community safety infrastructure, including EV charging stations for patrol vehicles and enhanced CCTV monitoring across different city zones. Authorities have framed the women’s safety measures as a proactive step in ensuring that Kolkata’s public spaces are secure and accessible for all citizens, particularly as urban mobility increases after dark.

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