A rubber fender along a platform screen door smouldered at Mahakaran station on the Green Line of Kolkata Metro when a train entered on Tuesday, the Metro Railway said. The incident involved a small section of the protective rubber strip fitted along the edge of the platform next to the Platform Screen Doors (PSDs), which showed signs of burning as the PSDs opened on arrival of the train. Metro staff and security personnel immediately brought the situation under control and determined that it did not involve a flame or any sparks.

As a precautionary measure, services on the down line between Howrah Maidan and Sector V were suspended for 53 minutes to allow engineers to inspect the system, including the power supply. Passengers on the affected train were asked to deboard as a safety step and were assisted by station staff. The suspension was imposed to enable a thorough check of electrical and mechanical interfaces around the PSDs.

A Metro spokesperson indicated that there was no case of any flame or visible spark in the underground station platform, but that part of the rubber strip was found to be burnt and was quickly extinguished. The rubber fender is described as a protective component that cushions contact between the train and the platform edge and is separate from the glass barriers of the PSDs. Officials said that all safety systems are in place and are regularly monitored.

The exact cause of the smouldering is under investigation by Metro engineers, who are reviewing operational and maintenance records as part of standard procedures. The Metro authority reassured commuters that safety protocols and inspections are routinely carried out to prevent incidents and to ensure reliable service. Normal services resumed after the inspection and checks were completed.