Kolkata Police Unveils All-Women Pink Booths and Patrol Teams to Boost Women's Safety
In a significant move to enhance safety measures for women on city roads, Kolkata Police launched dedicated all-women booths and patrolling teams on Saturday. This initiative follows directives from the state government and aims to provide a secure environment, particularly for working women returning home late at night.
Strategic Deployment of Pink Booths Across Key Locations
Equipped with comprehensive facilities, the newly introduced 'Pink Booths' have been initially installed at five strategic intersections: Shyambazar Five Point, Kankurgachhi, Hudco Crossing, Gariahat, and Behala Chowrasta. During the inauguration ceremony at Shyambazar, Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar announced that the number of such booths may be increased in the future after a thorough review.
Commissioner Sarkar emphasized, "Women's safety is the top priority for Kolkata Police. This initiative is aimed at ensuring the safety of working women who return home late at night. Our female staff will be deployed in the booths from 5 pm to 11 pm."
The booths are outfitted with essential amenities including:
- First aid items for emergency medical assistance
- Telephones for direct communication
- CCTV surveillance for enhanced security
- Facilities for women staff to change their clothes
Each booth will be staffed by 3 to 5 personnel, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), who will provide crucial information such as police station numbers and hospital locations. "We believe women will feel more comfortable discussing their issues with other women," added Commissioner Sarkar.
Expansion Plans and Additional Patrol Initiatives
In addition to the Pink Booths, Kolkata Police has introduced five vehicles named 'Shining Mobile,' manned by women cops, to patrol key city roads from 8 pm to 2 am. The timing may be adjusted based on circumstances, and the number of vehicles is expected to increase as the program evolves.
According to sources from Lalbazar, there are plans to expand the booth coverage to 20 divisions across Kolkata, including:
- North Division
- Central Division
- South Division
- Southeast Division
- Southwest Division (Behala)
- South Suburban Division (Jadavpur)
- East Division
- Eastern Suburban Division
- Port Division
- Bhangar Division
These new initiatives will complement existing units like Winners and Shakti, further strengthening the police's outreach. An officer explained, "If a woman approaches the booth, the female officers will provide a safe space and, if required, coordinate with the concerned police station or control room to ensure immediate action is taken."
Political Endorsement and Public Response
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted these initiatives on social media, expressing pride in the efforts to increase safety and confidence for women in the city. She wrote, "Proud to share that, for further increasing the safety and confidence of women in our city, Kolkata Police is launching 2 more initiatives from today. First, several all-women Pink Booths at key city intersections will be commissioned and be operational from evening to midnight, today onwards. My sisters in the city will be able to connect directly with the lady officers of KP for any assistance in these booths."
Women in Kolkata have shown a mixed reaction to the initiatives. While many welcome the move as a positive step towards enhancing security, some remain skeptical about its long-term effectiveness and implementation. The police department is committed to monitoring and refining these measures based on feedback and operational needs.
