Life Matters: Kolkata Metro Launches Anti-Suicide Audio Message On The Blue Line

The Kolkata Metro has begun broadcasting a public awareness announcement at several stations along its North–South (Blue Line) route, aimed at deterring suicide attempts on the railway tracks. The campaign has been rolled out in partnership with a private FM radio station.

Rising Incidents Prompt Outreach

The message will be aired repeatedly at multiple stations along the North–South corridor in Kolkata, urging individuals in distress to seek help rather than take their lives. The move comes against the backdrop of a worrying rise in suicide attempts on the Blue Line over recent months.

Official figures indicate that three such incidents were reported on Kolkata Metro in November last year, followed by two in December. The trend continued into the new year, with three attempts recorded in January and a further two in February, prompting authorities to step up preventive outreach.

Aired on 107 FM Rainbow, the message further encourages those undergoing mental health crises to reach out for immediate support, highlighting that round-the-clock counselling services are available.

Helpline Advice

"Suicide is not merely a personal decision, but a dangerous social disease, which causes tremendous stress and hardship on the family concerned. Please don't take any extreme and hasty steps. If you are faced with any serious mental crisis situation, immediately contact our counsellors, who are just a phone call away 24x7. Their numbers are displayed in numerous posters and banners, digital display boards at numerous parts of the platform," says the announcement.

The message will be aired through public address systems across the Blue Line corridor. Recorded jointly by Kolkata Metro and the radio partner, the announcement features a male voice in Bengali delivered against a soft instrumental backdrop.

The message reminds commuters that their lives matter not only to themselves but to others around them. Metro officials have said that the network regularly organises anti-suicide awareness camps at stations, urging vulnerable individuals to engage with on-site counsellors for support.

(With inputs from PTI.)

FAQs

What is the initiative?
An audio awareness message aimed at discouraging suicide attempts on Kolkata Metro tracks.

Where is it being played?
Across stations on the North–South (Blue Line) corridor via public address systems.

Who is behind the campaign?
Kolkata Metro, in collaboration with an FM radio station.

Why was it introduced now?
Following a rise in reported suicide attempts on the Blue Line over the past few months.

What does the message focus on?
Encouraging reflection, highlighting the value of life, and promoting help-seeking.

What support is available?
Round-the-clock counselling services, with helpline numbers displayed at stations.