Moving human remains by road within the Indian territory is another delicate process that has to be done in the right manner and procedure. This also serves to pay respect to the deceased as well as ensure that there is no spread of diseases to the living. In this blog, Heaven Gate will talk about the safe and legal guidelines for Dead Body Transport by Road in India
Modes of Transport
There are some common modes of Dead Body Transport by Road in India:
- Ambulances: Both government and private ambulances where little modification is made to accommodate bodies are commonly used. These offer enclosed transport.
- Hearse Vans: Certain funeral agencies possess individual hearse vans with individual cabins for caskets/bodies. These are those vehicles that are used for moving several bodies at one instance.
- Private Vehicles: Known types of vehicles include small tempos, vans, or SUVs owned by families or hired by individuals. In such non-specialized vehicles, standard precautions may not be observed.
Best Practices
There are several recommendations for ensuring effective and sensitive road transport of deceased individuals in India:
- Use experienced personnel: Select funeral transport service providers who have had proper training on how to handle dead bodies and transport them.
- Follow cooling protocols: Preserve the human remains by using ice, gels, etc to minimize the rate of decomposition especially when on the move for several days.
- Secure permits early: Obtain state border body transport permits several hours before the intended date of travel.
- Take efficient routes: Select direct high-quality roads, and if possible avoid areas that are out of reach to decrease the chance of getting lost.
- Handle with dignity: There is also the need to specially request that the body be handled gently and with respect during loading/unloading.
- Confirm final rites venue: Confirm again, if the cremation or burial site is available at the final destination.
Common Challenges
Dead Body Transport by Road in India has some unique challenges, including:
- Bumpy Roads – Sorting the deceased’s remains in rough terrains can be quite discomforting for the surviving relatives. There is a need to ensure that the dead are transported with dignity.
- Road Conditions – Although road transport is convenient in most areas in India, the environment is unforgiving at times, especially in the monsoons and during hot seasons. The human body needs protection.
- Reliable Method – Death is a family affair and sometimes the relatives may decide to transport the body for burial back home in India or elsewhere through distances that may be long. It is therefore important to properly plan for multi-day transport while observing the best methods of preservation.
- Public Sensitivity – There are strong mourning cultures in most societies, and this means that the public may have over-the-top reactions when dead bodies are traveled along the road. It is crucial to handle these sensitivities with caution.
Legal Framework
- The movement of human remains on public roads is regulated under the provisions of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act of 1969, where the guidelines are issued by the state governments. Police and other local authorities have certain supervisory powers.
- Any vehicle used for the transport of the body including the hospital ambulances and private mortuary vans requires permits. The vehicles should be kept in a clean state.
- Documents such as death certificates from doctors/hospitals are necessary before moving a corpse from one place to another.
Safety and Health Considerations
- Bodies must be buried in leak-proof coffins/caskets with proper disinfection done from the outside. This helps to reduce the chances of the release of body fluids that can cause the spread of infection.
- Vehicle drivers/attendants are required to wear protection gear such as masks, gloves, aprons, etc when handling dead bodies as provided by the guidelines.
- Any vehicle that transits uncovered bodies should not ferry any other passengers, food, or commodities on the same trip.
- Burying clothes may also come with requisite certificates from health officers especially if the bodies of persons who died of infectious diseases are involved.
Safe Transport Corporate Policies for Drivers and Attendants
- Corpses must be treated with respect and dignity when they are transported.
- Observe transport permit timetable and route as provided by the management. Inform the specified authorities when necessary.
- One must not take anything that is along with the dead body. Also, it is recommended not to eat or smoke inside the vehicle.
- Ensure that you clean the vehicle thoroughly after each use. Adhere to cleanliness and hygiene practices.
- If a body requires longer preservation, then use refrigeration units or ice slabs as recommended by the medical authorities.
Conclusion
Timely dead body transportation serves the public health interest and at the same time maintains ethical standards. This is true because by following rules and also directives with adherence to best practices in the transport of mortal remains, the transport agencies and staff can facilitate the dignified transfer of the mortal remains to the families of the deceased. For services related to Dead Body Transport by Road in India, contact Heaven Gate today.