Khowai District Launches Subsidized Mortuary Van Service

Agartala: Khowai District Magistrate Rajat Pant transformed an old ambulance into a mortuary van to help grieving families. The vehicle, dubbed Swarg Rath, now operates under the Rogi Kalyan Samiti of Khowai District Hospital. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha praised the project and requested a video for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to feature on his Mann Ki Baat radio program.

Bereaved families previously paid between 4,000 and 6,000 rupees to transport remains from GBP Hospital and IGM Hospital in Agartala. The new service drops those costs significantly. General public members pay 1,000 rupees, while Antyodaya ration card holders pay 500 rupees. The District Magistrate holds the authority to waive these fees entirely for families facing genuine financial hardship.

Rajat Pant stated, "For a grieving family, the final journey of a loved one should never be overshadowed by the burden of arranging costly transportation." The van ensures dignity for the departed. Citizens can request the service at any hour by calling the 24/7 District Disaster Management Cell in Khowai at 03825-222003.