All women ‘Pink Booths’, night patrol units to enhance women’s security unveiled in Kolkata

In what is being seen as a timely and much needed initiative amid rising concerns over crimes against women , West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced two dedicated safety measures to be implemented by Kolkata Police to strengthen protection for women in public spaces.

The first initiative involves the setting up of several all women ‘Pink Booths’ at key intersections across the city. These booths will function from evening till midnight and will be staffed entirely by women police personnel . Designed as accessible street level help centers, the Pink Booths will allow women to directly approach female officers for assistance related to harassment, stalking, unsafe situations, or emergencies, without having to visit a police station.

“My sisters in the city will be able to connect directly with the women officers of KP for any assistance in these booths,” Banerjee said, stressing that the aim is to provide immediate and reassuring support during vulnerable evening hours.

The second measure includes the deployment of all women mobile patrol teams named ‘SHINING’ . These teams will be on duty from 8 pm to 2 am , patrolling the EM Bypass and other major roads frequently used by working women during late hours. The enhanced night patrol presence is expected to increase visibility, act as a deterrent against potential offenders, and boost confidence among commuters.

The announcement comes at a time when the city has seen a rise in reported crimes against women , including recent sexual assault cases that have raised serious concerns about safety in public spaces. With incidents increasing, the government’s decision to introduce Pink Booths and all women night patrol teams is being viewed as a positive and necessary step to strengthen protection, improve police visibility, and reassure women, especially during late hours.

Detailed operational guidelines and deployment strategies are expected to be announced by the police shortly, as the city prepares to implement the expanded safety framework.