Women’s safety takes center stage in Kolkata as police roll out dual initiatives to enhance security and boost confidence. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee broke the news on X, highlighting the timely launch amid calls for stronger nocturnal protections.
Key intersections will host pink booths operated by female officers from evening hours through midnight. Women can approach these stations directly for aid, ensuring quick response and a trusted interface with law enforcement.
Simultaneously, ‘Shining’ women’s patrol vans—Banerjee’s moniker—will cover EM Bypass and other busy thoroughfares from 8 PM to 2 AM. Targeting areas where professional women travel late, the patrols aim to provide visible deterrence and rapid intervention.
Proudly noting Kolkata’s top ranking among India’s safest cities, Banerjee expressed optimism that these novel efforts will elevate standards further. The developments dovetail with the state’s Lakshmi Bhandar expansion, fortifying economic independence.
Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya’s February 5 interim budget for 2026-27 upped payouts by Rs 500: Rs 1,500 monthly for general category women and Rs 1,700 for SC/ST. Allocated Rs 15,000 crore, the program empowers millions, reducing vulnerability.
Together, security patrols and financial aid paint a picture of proactive governance, positioning West Bengal as a model for women’s welfare nationwide.