Bhubaneswar Ranked Among Safest Cities for Women in India – NARI 2025 Report

In a landmark recognition, Bhubaneswar has been ranked among the safest cities for women in India, according to the National Annual Report & Index on Women’s Safety (NARI) 2025.

The report, based on a comprehensive survey of 12,770 women across 31 cities, places Bhubaneswar in the top tier alongside Mumbai, Kohima, Visakhapatnam, Aizawl, Gangtok, and Itanagar.

The cities were evaluated against a national safety benchmark of 65%, with Bhubaneswar scoring “much above” the threshold due to its strong gender equity, civic engagement, effective policing, and women-friendly urban infrastructure.

While 60% of women nationwide reported feeling safe in their cities, the report highlighted persistent concerns around nighttime safety in public transport and recreational areas. Educational institutions were deemed safe during the day (86%), but perceptions dropped significantly after dark. Additionally, although 91% of women felt safe at work, nearly half were unaware of their workplace’s POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) policy.

In contrast, cities like Patna, Jaipur, Faridabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Srinagar, and Ranchi were flagged for weak institutional responsiveness and entrenched patriarchal norms.

The NARI 2025 Index is expected to serve as a strategic tool for policymakers and urban planners to address safety gaps and foster inclusive, secure environments for women across India.