Khowai District launches the ‘Swarg Rath’ Mortuary Van initiative to provide affordable, dignified transportation of deceased persons. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha praised District Magistrate Rajat Pant’s humanitarian effort, ensuring compassionate support for bereaved families through subsidized funeral transport services.
In a remarkable humanitarian initiative aimed at reducing the financial burden on grieving families, the Khowai district administration has successfully launched the ‘Swarg Rath’ Mortuary Van service. The innovative project, conceptualized by Khowai District Magistrate and Collector Rajat Pant, has transformed an old ambulance into a fully functional mortuary van to provide dignified and affordable transportation of deceased persons.
The ‘Swarg Rath’ has now become operational under the Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS) of Khowai District Hospital, marking a significant step towards strengthening compassionate public service. The initiative is designed to ensure that families facing the loss of a loved one do not have to bear exorbitant transportation expenses while bringing mortal remains from hospitals in Agartala to Khowai.
The decision to introduce the mortuary van was taken during a meeting of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti chaired by District Magistrate Rajat Pant. During discussions, it was highlighted that many bereaved families were forced to spend between Rs. 4,000 and Rs. 6,000 to transport the bodies of their loved ones from GBP Hospital and IGM Hospital in Agartala. Recognizing the financial hardship faced by economically weaker sections, the district administration decided to introduce a subsidized transportation service.
Under the new arrangement, the ‘Swarg Rath’ service will be available to the general public at a nominal charge of Rs. 1,000. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration card holders will receive additional support, with transportation available at just Rs. 500. Furthermore, in cases of genuine financial distress, the District Magistrate has been empowered to approve either partial or complete waiver of user charges on humanitarian grounds.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha appreciated the innovative initiative and praised District Magistrate Rajat Pant for introducing a service that directly benefits the common people during their most difficult moments. Impressed by the humanitarian value of the project, the Chief Minister asked the District Magistrate to prepare a video showcasing the ‘Swarg Rath’ initiative so that it could be considered for inclusion in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular radio programme, Mann Ki Baat.
Speaking about the initiative, District Magistrate Rajat Pant emphasized that the final journey of a loved one should never be overshadowed by the stress of arranging expensive transportation. He said every departed soul deserves dignity, while every bereaved family deserves compassion and support regardless of their financial condition.
He further described the ‘Swarg Rath’ as a symbol of a caring and responsive administration that stands beside its citizens during times of grief. The initiative reflects the district administration’s commitment to humane governance by ensuring timely, respectful and accessible transportation services for deceased persons.
To facilitate uninterrupted service, citizens can contact the 24×7 District Disaster Management Cell, Khowai, at 03825-222003 whenever the mortuary van is required. The vehicle will be deployed on call, ensuring prompt assistance to families in need.
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The launch of the ‘Swarg Rath’ Mortuary Van represents an important example of people-centric governance, combining compassion with practical public service. By converting an unused ambulance into a dedicated mortuary vehicle, the Khowai district administration has not only optimized existing resources but also created a sustainable solution that brings dignity, humanity and relief to families during one of life’s most difficult moments.
