Kolkata, February 9 The Kolkata Metro Rail has launched an audio message, which will be played at several stations along the North-South corridor, discouraging people from ending their lives.
The initiative was launched in collaboration with an FM channel in the backdrop of several suicide attempts along the Blue Line in the last three months.
According to available figures, there were three suicide attempts in November last year, two in December, three in January, and two in February.
Of these 10 passengers who attempted to jump onto the tracks, most could not be saved.
"Suicide is not merely a personal decision, but a dangerous social issue that causes tremendous stress and hardship on the family concerned. Please do not take any extreme and hasty steps. If you are faced with any serious mental crisis situation, immediately contact our counselors, who are just a phone call away 24x7. Their numbers are displayed in numerous posters and banners, and on digital display boards at various parts of the platform," the voice note on 107 FM Rainbow said.
It will be played through the public address systems at stations on the Blue Line.
The message was recorded in collaboration with Kolkata Metro, with a male voice in Bengali urging people to spare a thought, while soft background instrumental music was being played to soothe nerves.
The message further pointed out that life is beautiful, with great possibilities for every individual, and ending it would not serve any purpose, no matter how distraught one may be.
"Crises can be tackled and overcome. Ending life can never be the solution," it said.
"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 voice message noted.
The authorities also said that Kolkata Metro regularly conducts anti-suicide camps at different platforms, and urged those overwhelmed by suicidal thoughts to visit the camps and interact with the counselors.
A Metro Railway spokesperson said the voice note will be regularly played at different stations of the Blue Line to sensitize people, and also to enable other commuters and metro personnel to prevent someone from taking any drastic step.
