Bengal government working to reduce police response time to emergencies: CM Suvendu
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has launched the Emergency Response Support System to drastically reduce police response times across the state. He also announced new legislation to hold perpetrators accountable for damaging public property and attacking police.
Why it matters
This reflects a shift in state law enforcement strategy and a political effort to centralize authority over public safety.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday (October 10, 2026) said his government aims to reduce police response time as he launched the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112).
Addressing a programme at the Brigade Parade Ground, where he unveiled 450 four-wheelers and an equal number of motorcycles as part of the system, Mr. Adhikari said the average emergency response time of West Bengal Police was around 90 minutes, compared with 10-15 minutes for Kolkata Police, which has more personnel and vehicles.
"Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat respond to emergencies within six to 10 minutes. Why can't our state achieve this?" he asked police officials, urging them to work towards faster responses.
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