Anti-suicide audio campaign rolled out on Kolkata Metro

Kolkata: Kolkata Metro introduced an audio message across several stations on the North-South corridor, urging commuters not to take their own lives and to seek professional help during mental health crises.

The suicide prevention initiative, launched in collaboration with an FM radio channel, follows a series of suicide attempts on the Blue Line over the past three months. Official figures show three attempts in November, two in December, three in January and two in February. Most of the 10 passengers who jumped onto the tracks could not be saved.

The message, broadcast on 107 FM Rainbow and played through public address systems at Blue Line stations, features a male voice in Bengali accompanied by soft instrumental music. It describes suicide as “not merely a personal decision but a dangerous social disease” and urges people not to take extreme or hasty steps.

Commuters facing emotional distress are encouraged to contact counsellors, whose helpline numbers are displayed on posters, banners and digital boards across platforms. The message stresses that life is valuable, crises can be overcome and ending one’s life is never the solution.

"Crises can be tackled and overcome. Ending life can never be the solution. If anyone is overwhelmed by any desire to end his life, think twice and consider that your life is important not only for you but also for others,” the audio note says.

Metro authorities said they also conduct regular anti-suicide awareness camps at various stations and urged people struggling with mental health issues to visit the camps and speak with trained counsellors.

A Metro Railway spokesperson said the voice message will be played regularly at different stations along the Blue Line to sensitise commuters and empower staff and passengers to prevent tragic incidents.

PTI