After criticism over delay, Madhya Pradesh launches free hearse service

Indian Express

a day ago

Nearly four months after announcing the rollout of modern hearse vans under the Mukti Vahan scheme, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav officially launched the service on Monday, flagging off a fleet of 148 vehicles meant to provide families with free transportation of loved ones who have died.
The scheme was first announced in April 2025 as a government initiative to ensure 24×7 access to hearse vans in every district and medical college. However, logistical and administrative delays had held up deployment. Photos of the hearse vans, parked in a muddy lot at Bhopal's Misrod area, waiting for the official launch, surfaced online, drawing criticism over the delay. State government officials then quickly scrambled to green light the project and press the vehicles into service.
CM Yadav said the launch of the free hearse service will offer significant assistance to families from economically weaker sections. 'When, despite all efforts, a life cannot be saved and the family is in crisis, the first challenge they face is transporting the deceased loved one back home. Citizens often endure hardship when no vehicle or other arrangements are available to carry the body,' he said. 'With the start of this service, public awareness will also increase, and the government's commitment to service will be fulfilled. The Health Department deserves appreciation for this initiative, as such a service is not available in most other states in the country.'
The state government has arranged for two vans per district hospital and four vans for districts with medical colleges, bringing the total to 148 vehicles. These vans will only be used for deaths occurring in government medical institutions. The service will remain operational round the clock, with drivers present at all times.
Yadav called the hearse service 'one of the most sensitive and significant welfare schemes' started by his administration. He said that the government's broader healthcare and emergency response efforts also include air ambulance services for critical patients and the Rahgeer Yojana, under which a bystander who helps a road accident victim reach a hospital within the first hour is rewarded with Rs 25,000.
The hearse vans are being deployed under the Public Health and Medical Education Department, and aim to bridge a crucial gap in last-mile transportation for the deceased in a state where many families, particularly in rural areas, have struggled to arrange dignified transport for funerals.
The initiative follows increasing public pressure over the past year after several viral videos showed families carrying bodies on motorcycles, handcarts, or private vehicles, exposing the lack of a basic mortuary transport system in many parts of the state.