In a landmark revelation from the National Annual Report & Index on Women’s Safety (NARI) 2025, Bhubaneswar and Mumbai have emerged as two of the safest cities for women in India.
The report, based on a comprehensive survey of 12,770 women across 31 cities, places the national safety score at 65%, with cities categorized as ‘much above’, ‘above’, ‘below’, or ‘much below’ this benchmark.
Cities like Kohima, Visakhapatnam, Aizawl, Gangtok, and Itanagar joined Bhubaneswar and Mumbai at the top of the rankings, thanks to robust gender equity, civic engagement, effective policing, and women-friendly infrastructure. In contrast, cities such as Patna, Jaipur, Faridabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Srinagar, and Ranchi were flagged for weak institutional responsiveness and entrenched patriarchal norms.
While 60% of women reported feeling safe in their cities, concerns remain—especially regarding nighttime safety in public transport and recreational areas. Educational institutions were rated highly for safety during the day (86%), but perceptions dropped significantly after dark. Notably, although 91% of women felt safe at work, nearly half were unaware of their workplace’s POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) policy.
The NARI 2025 Index serves as a crucial tool for policymakers and urban planners to address gaps and build inclusive, secure environments for women across India.
