Faridabad, one of the fastest-growing cities in Haryana, is often seen as a place of opportunity. But when it comes to safety—especially for women and children—the city paints a mixed picture. On one hand, there are promising signs of improvement, with police stepping up efforts and crime numbers starting to dip. On the other hand, some serious concerns still need to be addressed. So, how safe is Faridabad really? The answer lies somewhere in the middle.
What the Numbers Are Telling Us
In the first half of 2024, Faridabad recorded 437 crimes against women. That’s slightly lower than last year, which is a good sign. But the overall crime rate still remains higher than the national average. The most common cases include kidnapping, offences under the POCSO Act (which deals with crimes against children), rape, and molestation.
What’s worrying is that in most of these cases – especially rape and molestation—the accused are known to the victim. Friends, relatives, neighbours…people they trust. That makes these crimes not only difficult to prevent but also harder for victims to come forward and report.
Teenage girls, particularly those between 14 and 17 years, are among the most vulnerable. And there have also been reports involving younger children, aged between 3 and 12. It’s a reminder that child safety needs just as much attention as women’s safety.
The Situation for Children
In recent months, there have been a few disturbing cases involving child abuse and trafficking. In one incident, Delhi Police busted a child trafficking racket that was operating through Faridabad. Two infants were rescued and four people were arrested. These are not everyday stories, but they do highlight the need for constant vigilance-especially in crowded areas like railway stations or bus stops where traffickers often target vulnerable families.
How Safe Do People Feel?
If you talk to local residents, most will tell you that Faridabad feels fairly safe during the day. According to recent data, around 65 percent of people say they feel safe walking alone in daylight. But that number drops sharply at night, with just over a third feeling safe after dark.
When compared to other NCR cities, Faridabad actually fares better than Noida and Delhi in many ways. It’s about on par with Gurgaon. That said, the general advice remains the same—avoid isolated areas at night, travel in groups when possible, and always let someone know where you are.
What the Police Are Doing
It’s not all bad news. In fact, the Faridabad Police have taken several steps that deserve appreciation. One of the most talked-about initiatives is the Night Pick-and-Drop Service. Launched in 2022, this free service is available from 10 PM to 6 AM for women who don’t have access to safe transport at night. It’s a small move, but it makes a big difference when you’re stranded or feeling unsafe late in the evening.
There are also dedicated women’s police stations in three parts of the city—NIT, Central, and Ballabgarh. These stations are staffed with women officers, making it easier and more comfortable for women to report crimes.
Patrolling teams, known as Durga Shakti Teams, have been introduced to ensure safety in crowded areas and help women who feel unsafe or harassed. In recent months, these teams have helped several get home safely.
Safety for Children
When it comes to child protection, Faridabad is part of Haryana’s Integrated Child Protection Scheme. There are special police units to deal with crimes against children, and a 24-hour child helpline (1098) is available for emergency help. Police stations also have Child Welfare Officers, and the city has observation homes for children in need of care or protection.
Technology is playing a role too. CCTV cameras are being installed in busy areas, and tracking devices are being added to public buses to improve safety, especially for women and children travelling alone.
What Still Needs Work
Even with all these efforts, there are areas that need more attention. A lot of victims are school dropouts, which shows how important education is-not just for learning, but for awareness and empowerment.
Also, since most crimes are committed by someone the victim knows, community education and family-level awareness are essential. More conversations need to happen within homes and schools about boundaries, respect, and what to do if someone feels unsafe.
How You Can Stay Safe
For women, it’s important to know about services like the night pick-and-drop and nearby women’s police stations. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when travelling at night, and don’t hesitate to report any incident—even if it seems small.
For parents, look into the safety measures taken by your child’s school. Talk to your children regularly about personal safety, both online and offline. And always keep the child helpline (1098) saved in case of emergencies.
The Bottom Line
Faridabad is a city that’s growing fast-and with growth come challenges. But it’s also a city that’s trying to do better. With police initiatives, stronger community engagement, and increased awareness, things are moving in a positive direction.
Is Faridabad perfectly safe? No. But is it becoming safer? Yes-and that’s encouraging. As long as families, citizens, and authorities continue working together, Faridabad can be a city where women and children feel not just protected, but empowered.
