Help desks, cyber labs & more | Mumbai Police’s big upgrade before CM’s 100-day deadline

Mumbai’s police stations are getting a significant facelift under the Chief Minister’s 100-day governance improvement initiative. According to a report by The Indian Express, one of the standout changes is the introduction of “Welcome Kaksh” (Help Desks) at stations like Mulund. These help desks are staffed by constables who assist citizens with services such as character certificates, passport verifications, and other procedural queries.

In the initial 50 days, police stations got rid of nearly 20 tonnes of old paperwork and cleared out around 3,500 condemned vehicles, a senior IPS officer said. Historic stations like Parksite and JJ Marg have been completely refurbished.

Key upgrades include:

• Faster services (passport verifications now in 7 days)

• Cleaner premises, including washrooms

• AI integration and new cyber labs in each of Mumbai’s 13 zones

These upgrades coincide with the recent inauguration of hi-tech vehicles including forensic vans and the establishment of Women's Help Rooms in every police station.

Performance across ten key parameters will decide which Commissionerate bags the Chief Minister’s award on April 15. Constables are now being trained in legal protocols and citizen engagement, offering water and assistance as part of a more people-friendly approach. With the final evaluation approaching, Mumbai Police aims to clinch the title of Maharashtra’s best-managed Commissionerate.