As the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections draw closer and the final voter list under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is set to be published on Saturday, the state government has announced two new initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s safety in Kolkata.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday morning announced the launch of ‘Pink Booths’ at key intersections across the city, along with an all-women night patrol unit named ‘Shining’.
According to the Chief Minister, both measures will be rolled out from Saturday evening under the initiative of Kolkata Police. The Pink Booths will be staffed entirely by women police personnel and will operate at several busy crossings from evening until midnight. Women will be able to approach these booths directly for emergency assistance, lodging complaints, or seeking security-related guidance.
Officials said the booths are intended to serve as easily accessible support points in high-footfall areas, offering immediate help and reassurance to women in need.
As part of the second initiative, the all-women mobile patrol team ‘Shining’ will monitor major city roads from 8 pm to 2 am. Particular focus will be placed on the EM Bypass and other routes frequently used by working women during late hours. The patrol team is expected to increase visible policing and respond swiftly to any distress calls during the night.
The Chief Minister stated that Kolkata has long been regarded as one of the safest cities in the country and expressed hope that the Pink Booths and the ‘Shining’ patrol would further strengthen women’s confidence and maintain the city’s reputation for safety.
The initiatives come at a time when Supratim Sarkar has recently taken charge as Police Commissioner, replacing Manoj Verma. Since assuming office, Sarkar has increased night naka checking and has been personally supervising law and order arrangements at key city intersections.
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