Free hearse service introduced in Barahakshetra

By Baburam Karki,Barahakshetra, July 8: In a significant move to support bereaved families, Barahakshetra Municipality has introduced a free hearse van service for transporting bodies from home to cremation spot.

Previously, due to a lack of a dedicated vehicle for transporting bodies-- either for final rites or for post-mortem examinations--families have to rely on expensive private transport services. 

Recognising this gap, the municipality has now launched a no-cost hearse service, aimed at easing logistical and financial burdens during moments of loss and grief.

The vehicle, purchased at a cost of Rs. 2.539 million under the municipality’s 2024/25 fiscal year plan, will be available 24/7 for residents of Barahakshetra. It will also serve for transporting unclaimed bodies or corpses discovered in the Sapta Koshi River area to nearby hospitals for autopsy, according to Mayor Ramesh Karki.

"This initiative ensures that even during moments of grief, the municipality stands in solidarity with its citizens," Mayor Karki said.

Previously, families had to bear high fees when calling in hearses from outside the municipality. This free-of-charge service, now managed directly by the local authority, is expected to offer substantial relief to residents during critical times.