By Hemant SharmaNational Crime Records Bureau or NCRB data is a credible source of information for determining and monitoring the safety levels of cities, towns and villages in India. This is because NCRB gathers and analyses crime data under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanghita and Special and Local Laws. Safety levels of a city depend upon the number of cognisable offences per 100,000 people, conviction rates, responsiveness to complaints and police presence. Living in a safe city has a direct bearing on several aspects of an individual’s life, including lifestyle, economic and social. Safe cities attract people in droves for living and working. Moreover, safe cities are particularly beneficial for women and children. Let’s have a look at the top 10 safest cities in India for the year 2025.
1 Kolkata
Kolkata, the capital city of the state of West Bengal, is known as the cultural capital of India, and is also the safest city in India with a crime rate of 78.2 cognisable offences per lakh population. Moreover, the city is also known for being highly safe for women. Crime rate in the city has declined in the recent times. The crime rate recorded in the year 2020 was 129.5.
The reasons attributed for the safe environment in Kolkata are extensive patrolling by the police and timely resolution of complaints by the authorities.
2. Chennai
Chennai, the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu, is the second most safe city in India with a crime rate of 173.5 cognisable offences per lakh population. Effective policing and high-tech surveillance systems have played a major role in ensuring a safe environment in the city. Moreover, measures have been taken to improve safety for women. These measures include dedicated women police stations and helpline numbers for women to lodge complaints.
A social inclusion survey conducted in the year 2023 found Chennai to be among the safest cities for working women in India.
3. Coimbatore
Coimbatore is an industrial and educational hub in the state of Tamil Nadu which also figures among the safest cities in India, with a crime rate of 211.2 cognisable offences per lakh population. Efficient and proactive policing along with community safety initiatives have played a major role in preventing crimes in the city. Other reasons are high-tech surveillance and prompt responses to public complaints.
Coimbatore also records very low crime rate against women and children, and also fares better than most cities in economic crimes and caste violence.
4. Surat
Surat is a diamond and textile hub, and an important commercial centre in the state of Gujarat. It also figures among the most safe cities in India, with a crime rate of 215.3 cognisable offences per lakh population. The city has a highly efficient police department and a modern surveillance infrastructure which have maximised the effectiveness of public safety management.
Community policing and safety awareness campaigns also contribute immensely to the safe environment in Surat. It is pertinent to mention here that Surat was the first city in India to install CCTV cameras on roads.
5. Pune
Pune is a bustling city in the state of Maharashtra with a large number of educational institutions and industrial units dotting the city. It is also one of the safest cities in India, with a crime rate of 219.3 cognisable offences per lakh population. Proactive and effective responses to breaches in law and order and a strong presence of police personnel across the city play an important role in ensuring a safe environment for residents and visitors alike.
Pune also has a dedicated Women’s Safety Cell which works to address the issues of violence against women and runs awareness campaigns regarding gender-based violence.
6. Hyderabad
Hyderabad, the capital city of the state of Telangana, is known for its rich cultural heritage and is a blend of vintage charm and modern infrastructure. It is also one of the safest cities in India, with a crime rate of 266.7 cognisable offences per lakh population. High safety standards of the city rest on active and efficient policing and high-tech surveillance systems.
Hyderabad is also known for its women-centric SHE teams which play an important role in ensuring safety for women.
7. Bangalore
Bangalore is the capital city of the state of Karnataka and is known as the Silicon Valley of India, owing to the presence of numerous technology companies. In terms of safety, Bangalore is among the top cities in India, with a crime rate of 260.5 cognisable offences per lakh population. Bangalore city police, armed with advanced surveillance and monitoring systems, plays a crucial role in preserving the safe environment of the city.
Frequent community policing programs are also carried out to bridge the gap between police and public, thereby increasing the confidence of the populace in the police force.
8. Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is a bustling city and an economic hub of the state of Gujarat. It is ranked among the most safe cities in India, with a crime rate of 360.1 cognisable offences per lakh population. The city police has a proactive approach to law enforcement and is equipped with efficient surveillance technologies. Moreover, a vibrant local community which is extremely cooperative with the policing efforts makes the task of maintaining law and order that much easier.
9. Mumbai
Mumbai is the capital city of the state of Maharashtra and also called the Financial Capital of India. It is among the safest cities in India, with a crime rate of 376.3 cognisable offences per lakh population. Mumbai police and other agencies based in the city, such as Crime Branch and Anti-Terrorism Squad, are well known for their highly effective and professional approach towards crime control.
10. Kozhikode
Kozhikode is a coastal city in the state of Kerala which is known for its tranquil atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. It also figures among the safest cities in India, with a crime rate of 397.5 cognisable offences per lakh population. Highly efficient policing coupled with community awareness programs help in maintaining a safe environment in the city.
Conclusion
There are multiple factors like efficiency of policing, educational levels, economic stability and community awareness which determine the levels of safety in a city. Adequate police personnel and modern equipment are also essential to improve and maintain a safe environment in cities.