In yet another heartbreaking incident on Kolkata's bustling Blue Line, a man attempted suicide by jumping in front of a moving train at Netaji (Kudghat) Metro Station around 3:10 pm today afternoon causing major disruptions during peak afternoon rush hour. The sudden act forced authorities to halt services partially, stranding thousands of commuters and highlighting the ongoing crisis of mental health emergencies on the city's lifeline transport. As per reports, the update of the man's condition remains unknown.
This incident leads to partial shutdown between Shahid Khudiram and Rabindra Sadan stations completely, while trains operational from Dakshineswar to Maidan and vice versa in both up and down lines. Eyewitnesses described the panic as platforms filled with worried passengers, many late for work or appointments. Kolkata Metro officials quickly activated emergency protocols, including platform announcements and shuttle buses, but the delay added to the daily grind for regular users. The Blue Line, Kolkata Metro's busiest corridor stretching from Dakshineswar in the north to Shahid Khudiram in the south is the most busiest metro line in the city.
This comes amid rising concerns, as similar attempts have plagued the system repeatedly, despite efforts like awareness posters and platform screen doors. Over the past five years, suicides on Kolkata Metro have steadily increased, with Ministry of Railways data showing just one in 2020, none in 2021, five in 2022, four incidents in 2023, a high of seven in 2024 last year, and already two in the first two months (January and February) of this year. Commuters urging better prevention. Authorities have ramped up campaigns with motivational posters and helpline numbers, but daily commuters claims more needs to be done—like full CCTV monitoring and counseling kiosks—to stop these tragedies and minimize service hits that affect the entire city.