kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced two major initiatives aimed at securing Kolkata’s nightscape. Beginning Saturday evening, dedicated Pink Booths staffed by women police personnel will become operational across the city, while an all-women patrolling unit named SHINING will hit the streets to enhance vigilance during late hours.

The announcement was made by the Chief Minister on her official X handle, where she introduced the twin initiatives as a step forward in reinforcing Kolkata’s position as one of the safest cities in the country. The name SHINING, she revealed, was coined by her, symbolizing visibility, vigilance and strength. The initiatives are being rolled out under the supervision of Kolkata Police and will come into effect from Saturday evening.

The Pink Booths are designed as accessible, visible and supportive spaces for women who may face distress or discomfort while returning home after work. With more women participating in the workforce and commuting during late hours, the state government has emphasized the need for a dedicated safety mechanism tailored specifically to their concerns. These booths will remain open daily from evening until midnight, offering immediate assistance to women in need.

Each Pink Booth will be managed entirely by women police officers, ensuring a comfortable and reassuring environment for complainants. Women encountering harassment, stalking, transport-related issues or any form of insecurity can approach these booths for help. Apart from emergency assistance, advisory support regarding safety protocols will also be provided. Complaints can be formally lodged at these booths, streamlining access to law enforcement without the intimidation that some women may feel at conventional police stations.

Simultaneously, the SHINING patrol team will operate from 8 pm to 2 am, focusing on key junctions and high-traffic corridors across Kolkata. Areas such as the EM Bypass and other stretches frequently used by working women will witness intensified surveillance. The patrol unit, composed entirely of women personnel, is expected to enhance both real-time monitoring and visible deterrence. The presence of women officers on the streets at night is also seen as a symbolic assertion of empowerment and inclusivity in policing.

Kolkata has consistently been ranked among India’s safest metropolitan cities, a point highlighted by the Chief Minister in her announcement. She expressed confidence that these two new initiatives would further consolidate that reputation and strengthen public trust in the city’s law enforcement framework.

The announcement comes shortly after the appointment of Supratim Sarkar as the new Police Commissioner of Kolkata. Since assuming office, the city police have undertaken several proactive measures, including enhanced night naka checking, increased focus on law and order management and the introduction of a dedicated cyber safety helpline number. The launch of Pink Booths and the SHINING patrol unit adds another layer to these ongoing reforms.

As Kolkata’s urban life extends deeper into the night, the government’s renewed emphasis on gender-sensitive policing reflects both a political and social commitment. With these measures, the administration seeks not only to respond to incidents but to prevent them through visibility, accessibility and trust-building. Whether returning from offices, hospitals, call centers or educational institutions, women navigating the city after dark may now find an added sense of reassurance under the glow of Pink Booths and the vigilant watch of Team SHINING.