Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday, 1 November 2026, presented the prestigious President's Colour to the Chandigarh Police during its 60th Raising Day celebrations, reviewing a ceremonial parade and lauding six decades of 'dedicated service' to the city and the nation.

A Historic Honour for Chandigarh Police

The President's Colour is among the highest distinctions conferred on a police or military unit, recognising exceptional service and operational excellence. Addressing the gathering, Shah said: 'The conferment of the President's Colour on the Chandigarh Police is a recognition of six decades of dedicated service, commitment, and sensitivity. On this occasion, I pay tribute to all the brave martyrs of the Chandigarh Police. Laying down one's life in the line of duty is a matter of pride for the entire police force.'

He added: 'Since 1966, Chandigarh Police has, through relentless efforts, written a golden chapter in the history of policing in India. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all its personnel.'

Response Times, Fleet Expansion and National Rankings

Shah highlighted the force's operational efficiency, noting that Chandigarh Police currently ranks second in the country in prompt action and response time. The Home Minister announced the induction of 141 new vehicles into the police fleet, saying the upgrade would significantly enhance emergency response capabilities.

'In terms of response time, Chandigarh ranks second in the country and among the top performers globally. With the addition of 141 new vehicles, I am fully confident that by next year Chandigarh Police will secure the number one position among all police forces in India,' Shah said. He also noted that the Quick Response Team reaches incident sites within 10 minutes, while police personnel arrive in as little as four minutes.

Role During the Terrorism Era and City Planning

Shah recalled the force's conduct during the turbulent years of terrorism, stating that despite being 'nestled in the foothills of the Shivalik range', Chandigarh was not spared the violence of that era. 'During those challenging times, the Chandigarh Police displayed extraordinary courage, valour and dedication. Through its commitment to service and duty, it ensured peace and security in the city and surrounding regions,' he said.

He noted that Chandigarh is among the cities with the highest number of vehicles per capita in India, yet maintains smooth traffic flow — a point he cited as an inspiration for police forces nationwide.

New Criminal Laws and the Drug-Free Mission

Praising the implementation of the new criminal justice codes, Shah stated that Chandigarh has recorded an 85 per cent conviction rate within just 140 days of their enforcement. 'If the new criminal justice codes are implemented effectively across the country, citizens will no longer have to wait for years to receive justice,' he said.

Shah also recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the implementation of the new criminal laws from Chandigarh, replacing the colonial-era legal framework. The Home Minister expressed confidence that Chandigarh would become the first region in India to be completely drug-free.

Technology-Driven Policing Praised

The Home Minister commended the force for its citizen-centric digital initiatives, noting that Chandigarh Police has rolled out multiple apps and technology-driven models that allow citizens to avail police services without visiting a station. 'The responsibility of the police is to provide accessible and efficient services to citizens,' Shah said, calling the tech integration a 'commendable initiative.' This comes amid a broader national push under the Centre to modernise state police infrastructure through digital tools and data-driven policing frameworks.