West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced the introduction of all-women “Pink Booths” along with dedicated mobile patrol teams to strengthen women’s safety across Kolkata.
Addressing a public programme, Banerjee said the initiative aims to create a more secure and responsive environment for women in the city, particularly in crowded public areas and sensitive zones. The proposed Pink Booths will be staffed entirely by women police personnel and will function as accessible help centres where women can report harassment, seek assistance, or lodge complaints without hesitation.
The Chief Minister emphasised that women’s safety remains a top priority for her government. She said the mobile patrol units, comprising women officers, will conduct regular rounds in key locations including markets, educational institutions, transport hubs and residential neighbourhoods. The teams are expected to respond swiftly to distress calls and coordinate with local police stations when necessary.
Officials indicated that the project will initially roll out in selected high-footfall areas before expanding to other parts of the city based on feedback and assessment. The booths are also expected to display helpline numbers prominently and provide immediate support in emergency situations.
The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions around urban safety and the need for more visible law enforcement presence to deter crimes against women. The state government has previously launched initiatives such as women’s helplines and community outreach programmes, but the Pink Booths are being positioned as a more visible and direct intervention.
Opposition leaders, while welcoming measures aimed at safety, said implementation and accountability will determine the scheme’s effectiveness. They urged the administration to ensure adequate staffing, training and monitoring.
City police sources said preparations are underway to identify suitable locations and deploy personnel. If implemented as planned, the Pink Booths and mobile patrol units could become a prominent feature of Kolkata’s policing framework, reinforcing the message that women’s safety is central to urban governance.
