Suicide attempt disrupts Metro services at Shobhabazar, service resumes after 35 minutes

A tragic suicide attempt took place at Shobhabazar Metro station on Sunday afternoon, leading to a disruption of services on the Blue Line of the Kolkata Metro. The incident occurred around 4:10 PM when an individual jumped onto the down line. As a result, metro services on the Dakshineswar to Kabi Subhash stretch were halted for about 35 minutes.

Following the attempt, Metro authorities acted swiftly to manage the situation. The station was evacuated immediately, and power was cut off on the third rail to facilitate the rescue operation. Services between Dum Dum and Central stations were temporarily suspended to allow for the emergency response. However, trains on the up line continued to operate, minimizing the overall disruption.

The incident at Shobhabazar station marks the latest in a series of suicide attempts this year. In fact, Shobhabazar has witnessed several such incidents in recent months. On October 14, another person attempted suicide by jumping onto the tracks at the same station, causing a 30-minute disruption in metro services. Just a month later, on November 8, another individual attempted suicide at Shobhabazar, resulting in a 45-minute service suspension between Dum Dum and Central.

Metro services gradually returned to normal after the 35-minute disruption, though the incident has once again raised concerns about safety and mental health issues in the city. The Metro authorities continue to work on measures to improve safety protocols at stations, particularly those like Shobhabazar, which have seen multiple suicide attempts this year.

In the aftermath of the incident, both commuters and Metro authorities are left grappling with the mental health challenges facing individuals in the city. While the cause behind the latest suicide attempt remains unclear, such occurrences are a tragic reminder of the urgent need for increased awareness and support for mental health issues.