Lakhs of revellers, zero chaos: Kolkata remains a crowd favourite on festive days
Times of India | 6 January 2024
In a country with an estimated population density of 438.58 people per sq km, that’s growing every minute, crowd management during festivities is a priority. Kolkata has an enviable track record despite huge footfall during Pujo, Xmas and NYE, while managing to retain its position as the safest city in India for the third consecutive year. Residents tell us what makes the city a crowd favourite.
I travel a lot for work but I feel the safest here, even while commuting alone at night. I had shows on 25th & 31st Dec both, and the police managed the crowd and traffic very well– Iman Chakraborty, singer
Kolkata makes you feel safe even in a crowded place, say citizens
A city that accepts all
According to social activist Ratnaboli Ray, Kolkata is not just the City of Joy, but a psychologically resolved city. “There are about 23 cafes and restaurants around my residence, run by women and people identifying with other genders and sexualities, and they do it without the fear of threat or intimidation,” she shares. Highlighting the city’s acceptance towards multiculturalism, Ratnaboli shares that the graffiti, illustrations, along with its diverse range of street food from litti chokha, chop muri to crème brulee reflect the same. “We’ve to remain vigilant so that Kolkata stays the way it is. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure the city’s wellbeing,” she concluded.
Correlation between love for culture & literature makes us a safer city
Debanjan Chakrabarti, director, British Council, East and Northeast India, and his wife chose to stay back in the city, early on in their career, as the perception of it being a safe city was already established. “I’ve also been hearing it from female colleagues and international visitors, and I wonder if the correlation between our love for culture & literature, makes us a safer city,” he shares.
I’ve never experienced an impending fear of travelling alone, or stepping out late at night. People here are welcoming and create an environment that devoid of indiscretions. The city makes you feel safe even in a crowd of thousands– Oishi Majumder, student
People here are aware of regulations. Pavements are kept free for pedestrians thus helping vehicles move freely and reducing the number of accidents. The Safe Drive, Save Life campaign has had a huge impact– Aloke Sanyal, ACP, Traffic, Kolkata Police
When it comes to women’s safety, I feel no other state can beat WB. I was around the Park Street area on 31st night and was happy to see how nicely Kolkata Police managed the crowd– Sreejita Biswas, food blogger
Footfall recorded on Xmas & NYE
Park Street: 1,00,000+
Alipore Zoo: 64,000 approx
Eco Park: 57,600 approx
Nicco Park: 9,000 approx
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