Delhi Students Demand Safer Streets: 'No Curfews, Fix the Roads Instead'

Women students across Delhi's colleges are speaking out about safety concerns that extend far beyond their campuses, describing daily routines marked by altered routes, group travel, and early departures to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas. Their experiences highlight the risks they face on roads, in parks, at metro stations, and in neighbourhoods that form their commute.

The students' testimonies come amid ongoing debates about women's safety in India's capital, where incidents of harassment and violence have prompted calls for systemic change. Rather than supporting curfews or restrictions on women's movement, the students are demanding that authorities address the root causes by improving street lighting, public transport, and policing in vulnerable areas. 'No curfews, fix the streets instead,' they say, emphasising that freedom of movement is essential for their education and independence.

Their campaign underscores a growing demand for urban infrastructure that prioritises safety for all, particularly women. As Delhi's authorities consider responses, the students' voices add pressure to move beyond temporary measures and invest in lasting solutions that make public spaces safer and more inclusive. The outcome could set a precedent for how Indian cities address gender-based violence and mobility.