A woman narrowly escaped electrocution at the Masterda Surya Sen Metro station in Kolkata on 23 June after she stepped onto the tracks to cross from one platform to another, prompting Metro Railway, Kolkata to issue a fresh warning against unauthorised track access. The incident, disclosed on 25 June, is believed to be the first of its kind on the network where a passenger descended onto the tracks specifically to switch platforms.

What Happened at the Station

The woman attempted to cross the tracks during peak morning hours — a period when train frequency is at its highest. Alert station staff and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel spotted her before she made contact with the electrified third rail. Power to the third rail was immediately switched off, and she was safely removed from the tracks.

She was subsequently taken to the station master's cabin, questioned, and released with a warning. The incident caused temporary service disruptions as power was first cut and then restored once the tracks were cleared.

The Danger of the Electrified Third Rail

Metro trains in Kolkata draw power from a third rail running parallel to the tracks, carrying 750 Volts DC. The rakes are fitted with specialised Third Rail Current Collectors (TRCCs) through which electricity enters the system. According to a Metro Railway official, contact with this rail is almost certainly fatal, leaving little chance of survival.

In this case, the woman would have had to cross two electrified third rails to reach the opposite platform — meaning even a slight miscalculation could have proved fatal and triggered widespread service disruption across a long stretch of the network.

Why This Incident Stands Out

While the Kolkata Metro's Blue Line — the oldest corridor on the network and one without platform screen doors — has seen several suicide attempts in the past, officials noted this is reportedly the first instance of a passenger crossing the tracks to switch platforms. The distinction matters: it points to a gap in passenger awareness rather than a mental health emergency, and suggests the need for clearer wayfinding at stations with separate Up and Down platforms.

Most underground stations in the network feature 'island' platforms with tracks on either side. However, elevated and ground-level stations have dedicated Up and Down platforms connected by underpasses — a layout that may not be immediately obvious to unfamiliar commuters.

Metro Railway's Safety Advisory

Metro Railway officials have reiterated that movement of unauthorised persons on the tracks is strictly prohibited. Passengers who find themselves on the wrong platform are urged to inform on-duty staff immediately, who are authorised to guide them to the correct platform safely. The official stressed that underpasses and designated passenger crossovers must be used at all times.

With ridership on the Kolkata Metro continuing to grow, safety compliance at stations — particularly those without platform screen doors — remains a pressing concern for the network going forward.