The latest National Annual Report & Index on Women’s Safety (NARI) 2025 has revealed striking disparities in women’s safety across Indian cities. While northeastern capitals dominate the safer cities list, major metropolitan areas surprisingly rank among the least safe for women.
Table of Contents
Women Safety : Key Findings at a Glance
| Safest Cities | Least Safe Cities |
|---|---|
| Kohima | Patna |
| Visakhapatnam | Jaipur |
| Bhubaneswar | Faridabad |
| Aizawl | Delhi |
| Gangtok | Kolkata |
| Itanagar | Srinagar |
| Mumbai | Ranchi |
The comprehensive survey of 12,770 women across 31 cities reveals significant safety gaps, with Kohima, Visakhapatnam, and Bhubaneswar topping the safety index while Patna, Jaipur, and Delhi trailing at the bottom.
The Northeast Advantage: Why These Cities Excel
Kohima: The Safety Champion
Kohima emerges as the safest city, with over 80% of women reporting feeling secure. The Nagaland capital’s success stems from strong community bonds, effective local governance, and cultural values that prioritize women’s respect and safety.
Aizawl, Gangtok, and Itanagar: Cultural Strongholds
These northeastern capitals share common factors contributing to women’s safety:
- Strong community surveillance systems
- Cultural emphasis on women’s dignity
- Lower population density reducing anonymity-related crimes
- Effective local law enforcement
Visakhapatnam: The Coastal Success Story
As Andhra Pradesh’s port city, Visakhapatnam combines urban development with safety infrastructure, including well-lit streets, active police patrolling, and community engagement programs.
Mumbai: The Metropolitan Exception
Despite being India’s financial capital, Mumbai maintains its reputation as one of the safer metros for women, thanks to its 24/7 activity, extensive public transport network, and active citizen participation in safety initiatives.
The Concerning Reality: Why Major Cities Fail
Delhi: The Capital’s Safety Crisis
Despite being the national capital, Delhi ranks among the least safe cities. Issues include:
- High population density creating anonymity
- Inadequate street lighting in many areas
- Insufficient police presence during off-peak hours
Patna and Jaipur: Traditional Challenges
These cities struggle with:
- Deep-rooted patriarchal mindsets
- Limited women-friendly infrastructure
- Weak enforcement of safety measures
Kolkata: The Cultural Paradox
Despite Bengal’s progressive cultural heritage, Kolkata’s safety rankings reveal gaps in:
- Public transport safety
- Night-time security measures
- Effective complaint redressal systems
Critical Statistics That Demand Attention
The NARI 2025 report places India’s nationwide safety score for women at 65 per cent, with six in ten women feeling safe overall. However, safety perceptions dip sharply at night, in public transport, and recreational spaces.
Alarming Findings:
- 40% of women feel “not so safe” or “unsafe” in their cities
- Only 1 in 3 women report harassment incidents
- Night-time safety remains a critical concern across most cities
The Path Forward: Learning from Success Stories
The stark contrast between northeastern cities and major metros offers valuable lessons:
Successful Safety Strategies:
- Community Engagement: Cities like Kohima demonstrate how strong community bonds enhance safety
- Cultural Values: Respecting women as integral community members
- Infrastructure Development: Well-planned urban spaces with adequate lighting and surveillance
- Responsive Governance: Quick action on safety concerns and complaints
For detailed analysis on urban safety trends, check out our comprehensive coverage on urban development initiatives.
The NARI 2025 report serves as a wake-up call for urban planners and policymakers. While celebrating the success of northeastern cities, we must urgently address the safety concerns in major metropolitan areas. Creating safer cities requires collective effort from government, communities, and individuals.
For more insights on urban safety and development, explore our related articles on smart city initiatives.
Source: National Commission for Women NARI 2025 Report
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes northeastern cities safer for women compared to major metros?
Northeastern cities benefit from smaller, tight-knit communities where social accountability is higher. Cultural values emphasizing respect for women, combined with effective local governance and lower crime rates due to smaller populations, create safer environments. Additionally, these cities often have better community surveillance systems where neighbors look out for each other.
How can major cities improve their women’s safety rankings?
Major cities can implement several strategies: enhancing street lighting and CCTV coverage, increasing police patrols especially during night hours, creating women-only spaces in public transport, establishing fast-track complaint systems, conducting regular safety audits of public spaces, and launching community awareness programs. Cities should also focus on changing mindsets through education and strict enforcement of laws against harassment.
