‘Swarg Rath’ launched, Tripura CM praises Khowai DM’s initiative

  • Tripura Tribune Desk
  • Jul 30, 2026

Agartala, July 30: In a humanitarian initiative aimed at providing dignified and affordable transportation of deceased persons, Khowai District Magistrate Rajat Pant has given a shape to his innovative idea of converting an old ambulance into a Mortuary Van.

The Mortuary van ‘Swarg Rath’ is now operational under Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS) of Khowai District Hospital.

Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha lauded the Khowai District Magistrate’s initiative and asked him to make a video of it so that it can be shared for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat programme.

The decision on ‘Swarg Rath’ was taken during the meeting of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate & Collector, Khowai, to address the financial hardships faced by bereaved families who often incur transportation costs of Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 6,000 for bringing mortal remains from GBP Hospital and IGM Hospital, Agartala.

The newly introduced service will be available at highly subsidized rates of Rs. 1,000 for the general public and Rs. 500 for Antyodaya (AAY) ration card holders for transportation from Agartala hospitals to Khowai.

The District Magistrate is authorised to approve full or partial waiver of user charges in cases of genuine financial hardship on humanitarian grounds.

According to the District Magistrate, for a grieving family, the final journey of a loved one should never be overshadowed by the burden of arranging costly transportation. This initiative reflects the administration's commitment to ensuring that every departed soul is accorded dignity and every bereaved family is treated with compassion, irrespective of their financial circumstances.

The ‘Swarg Rath’ is a symbol of a caring and responsive administration that stands beside its citizens in their most difficult moments, bringing dignity, humanity and solace when they are needed the most, he noted.

Citizens can avail the Mortuary Van Service by contacting the 24×7 District Disaster Management Cell, Khowai, at 03825-222003. The vehicle will be deployed on call to ensure timely, accessible and dignified transportation of deceased persons in the district, whenever required.