Kochi Cadaver Transport Agency Sets Single-Day Record with 15 Bodies
In a remarkable and somber milestone, Sreejith K H, the proprietor of the 'On Time' cadaver transport agency based in Nochima, Aluva near Kochi, managed the airlifting of 15 mortal remains in a single day this Wednesday. This volume represents the highest daily count in the 15-year history of his firm, which specializes in repatriating the bodies of Indians who pass away abroad and transporting them domestically via Kochi.
Unprecedented Volume and Operational Hurdles
The bodies were destined for various Indian cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad. Sreejith noted that while his agency had handled multiple bodies during the pandemic peak, this was the first instance of shifting so many in one day. However, the process was hampered by logistical challenges.
Most airline companies, with the exception of IndiGo, insisted on obtaining additional clearance from local police before allowing the bodies on their flights, despite the agency already securing all necessary certifications from relevant authorities like the emigration department. This requirement forced Sreejith to depend almost entirely on IndiGo for transporting the remains to airports closer to the deceased's hometowns.
"If not for this hurdle, we could have completed all transports by Wednesday evening. We have moved some bodies already, and the rest will be airlifted by Thursday noon. Consequently, we had to store eight bodies in the mortuary of a private hospital in Aluva," Sreejith explained.
Regular Operations and Demographics
Typically, the agency transports most cadavers from Kochi to eastern destinations such as Kolkata and Guwahati. Up to 20 bodies of migrant workers from states like West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar are airlifted monthly via flights to these cities. Additionally, the firm handles the repatriation of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), primarily from Gulf nations, and also airlifts the bodies of foreigners who die while visiting India.
"The highest number of foreign bodies we transport from Kochi are from Oman, often individuals who were under treatment in various hospitals across Kerala," Sreejith added.
Essential Procedures and Certifications
The transport process requires meticulous planning and documentation. Bodies must be boarded at least four hours prior to flight departure. All mandatory certificates and clearances must be in place, including:
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the emigration department
- Customs clearance
- Embalm certificate
- Death certificate
These steps ensure compliance with aviation and health regulations, facilitating the respectful and efficient transport of mortal remains across the country.
