Sisterhood on duty: Mumbai’s women traffic cops take on night safety role

Mrunali Kamble, police constable posted at Matunga traffic division

Women traffic constables in Mumbai have begun going beyond their routine duties to enhance women's safety on the streets by closely monitoring vehicles, such as cabs, and pedestrians, especially during late-night hours, while working informally alongside the Nirbhaya Squad.

Apart from vehicle checks, constables have also been observed keeping a watch on women walking alone after dark, intervening when they sense discomfort or vulnerability. In some areas, women traffic personnel are positioning themselves near railway stations, bus stops, hospitals, office hubs, and poorly lit stretches - locations that see regular late-night movement. Their presence, officers say, helps deter harassment and ensures quicker assistance when required.

Members of the traffic police squad that help keep women safe at night

"We are stationed at crowded and busy spots where patrolling teams sometimes arrive a little late. Since we are already on traffic duty, keeping an eye out to ensure the safety of women commuters does not add much of a burden," said Mrunali Kamble, a police constable posted at the Matunga traffic division.

Senior traffic police officers confirmed that there is no official order or written directive mandating these safety checks, stating that the initiative has emerged voluntarily from women constables who often encounter distress situations during their daily postings. "We are on the roads all day and night. If we notice something unusual, we step in," said another female traffic constable, adding that balancing traffic management with safety monitoring is challenging but necessary.

Explaining the added pressures, Kamble said, "Traffic duty itself is demanding, and as women, we understand how difficult it is to manage one's work, family, children, and health. That is why we try to look out for other women, so they can feel reassured and go about their lives without fear."

Mrunali Kamble (right) and a Mumbai Police colleague

If a woman is found walking alone or in an isolated area, constables first check whether she requires assistance, including an escort or a drop. "If necessary, we use our motorbikes to drop them, sometimes to a nearby railway station or directly to their destination. Many women who cannot afford taxis or face a lack of bus services at night end up walking long distances. These are often late-night shift employees or women working in the catering sector. We try to ensure they reach wherever they need to go safely," said a woman constable posted at the western suburbs.

Women speak

Shreya Balakrishnan, 32, a nurse who resides in Khar, said, "I work in Andheri and go home around 2 am to freshen up and feed my dog, before returning to work by 4 am. I usually travel by app-booked auto. Two weeks ago, I saw the Nirbhaya Squad vehicle, the pink one, but there were also two bikes marked Mumbai Traffic Police with their logo. They stopped the auto I was in, asked if I was feeling safe, and even offered to accompany me. I politely declined since I travel this route every day, but it was very reassuring to know they were there."

Mrunali Kamble, police constable posted at Matunga traffic division

Jyoti Telang, 39, resident of Chembur, who works as an operations executive for a US-based firm in Bandra-Kurla Complex, said, "I usually travel home to Chembur by cab after late-night work. I already find Mumbai incredibly safe, but knowing that women traffic constables are actively looking out for us makes me feel even more reassured. I'm glad I decided to move here from Hyderabad. It's comforting to see the city taking women's safety seriously."

Words of appreciation

Dr Priyanka Narnaware, IPS, additional commissioner of police, Mumbai Traffic Police, told mid-day, "We hear from many people how our women constables go beyond their duty and help others - be it women, children, or even senior citizens. They have assisted wounded and bloodied people on the roads, and we have seen them covered in blood, yet their determination remains undefeated. Much of the work they do goes beyond their primary duty, which is traffic. Fulfilling their responsibilities while ensuring the safety of women citizens is truly remarkable. We appreciate all their hard work on a timely basis."

Traffic cops give safety advice

Dial the 112 for immediate police assistance.

Approach the nearest police chowkie, whether it's traffic police or city police.

Note and share vehicle details (registration number, cab app details, driver name found in the app) if you feel unsafe.

Use the cab app SOS feature or share live location with a trusted contact.

Move towards well-lit, crowded areas and avoid isolated stretches.

Important numbers

Police Helpline: 100
Emergency Helpline: 112
Women's Helpline: 1091
Nirbhaya Squad: 103
Mumbai Traffic Police: 8454999999
MTP control room:
022-24940303

Traffic cops give safety advice

1 Dial the helpline number 112 for immediate police assistance
2 Approach the nearest police chowkie, whether it's traffic police or city police
3 Note and share vehicle details (registration number, cab app details, driver name found in the app) if you feel unsafe
4 Use the cab app SOS feature or share live location with a trusted contact
5 Move towards well-lit, crowded areas and avoid isolated stretches

1091
Emergency helpline for women

103
Nirbhaya Squad