Kolkata Metro Railway has introduced an audio announcement about the consequences of attempting suicide at several of its stations along the North-South route, also called the Blue Line. This comes in the wake of several suicide attempts in the last three months.
According to available data, there were three suicide bids on the Blue line in November, two in December, three in January, and another two in February. There were 10 individuals who jumped on the tracks, most of whom did not make it in time.
Message aired through station PA systems
The audio message, recorded in collaboration with FM Rainbow 107, is being broadcast through public address systems at metro stations along the Blue Line. Delivered in a male voice in Bengali, the message is accompanied by soft instrumental music aimed at creating a calming effect.
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Airing originally on 107 FM Rainbow, said, “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.”
Emphasis on counselling and support
The audio note repeatedly encourages individuals facing mental health crises to seek professional support. It informs the commuters that experts are on call 24/7. Additionally, their contact numbers can be found on the posters and banners put up in the different locations across the platforms.
“Crises can be tackled and overcome. Ending life can never be the solution,” the message states, adding, “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.”
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Ongoing awareness efforts
As per a report by The Hindu, Metro authorities said the audio message will be played at different metro stations to create awareness among the people using the metro and to act as a deterrent for the metro staff and other passengers to come to the aid of the person in question. Kolkata metro, meanwhile, has also taken to holding anti-suicide awareness camps at some of the metro stations.
A Metro Railway spokesperson said the initiative is part of their attempt to create awareness, end the stigmatisation of mental illnesses, and prevent tragedies on the railway through timely interventions and vigilant society members.
