The numbers at a glance
₹0
CNG or electric cremation at MCD grounds, since 1 June 2026 (two-year pilot)
MCD, via India.com and ThePrint
₹700
per quintal (100 kg) of wood at MCD grounds
MCD rates, Sept 2024 (PTI)
400–600 kg
of wood for a typical open pyre
Scroll, 2023
₹14,500–30,000
all-inclusive quotes across 10 Delhi NCR providers
Eternal Repos provider survey
There is no right amount to spend on a farewell. Dignity does not depend on cost. What helps is knowing where the money goes, so that every rupee spent is a choice and not a surprise.
Where does the money go?
The chart below sets out the common items and the ranges we found. The crematorium charge is now the smallest line for most Delhi families; transport, a freezer box and the gatherings afterwards make up most of the spend.
- CNG or electric cremation (MCD grounds) · since June 2026₹0
- Ashes collection (MCD)₹350
- Pandit for last rites (MCD rate)₹500
- Shroud₹600 – ₹800
- Samagri₹2,000 – ₹3,000
- Wood for a pyre (400–600 kg)₹2,800 – ₹4,200
- Transport within Delhi NCR · provider survey₹3,000 – ₹12,000
- Freezer box · provider survey₹4,000 – ₹7,000
Source: MCD rate order, Sept 2024 (PTI/Deccan Herald); Scroll, 2023; Eternal Repos survey of 10 Delhi NCR providers. Grounds run by trusts and other NCR cities set their own rates.
See the numbers
| From | To | |
|---|---|---|
| CNG or electric cremation (MCD grounds) | ₹0 | ₹0 |
| Ashes collection (MCD) | ₹350 | ₹350 |
| Pandit for last rites (MCD rate) | ₹500 | ₹500 |
| Shroud | ₹600 | ₹800 |
| Samagri | ₹2,000 | ₹3,000 |
| Wood for a pyre (400–600 kg) | ₹2,800 | ₹4,200 |
| Transport within Delhi NCR | ₹3,000 | ₹12,000 |
| Freezer box | ₹4,000 | ₹7,000 |
What families told us matters most
We asked families who had arranged a farewell in the last five years what mattered most to them. Price came last. What they remembered was whether someone answered quickly, how their loved one was carried, and how they were spoken to.
- 24/7 availability and immediate response47%
- A dignified, clean vehicle45%
- Gentle, respectful staff34%
- Getting a vehicle quickly26%
- A trusted, known name13%
- Price8%
n = 38 people who had arranged a farewell in the last five years. Percentages of respondents; totals exceed 100%.
Source: Eternal Repos family survey, July–August 2026
See the numbers
| Share | |
|---|---|
| 24/7 availability and immediate response | 47% |
| A dignified, clean vehicle | 45% |
| Gentle, respectful staff | 34% |
| Getting a vehicle quickly | 26% |
| A trusted, known name | 13% |
| Price | 8% |
“You grieve, we'll carry the rest.”
— Eternal Repos
Why two quotes are rarely comparable
In our survey of Delhi NCR providers, most bundled offers were built around the rituals: nine of the 11 service options included a pandit and eight included samagri. What else each one included differed a great deal, so a lower figure is not always the simpler choice. The questions below make any two quotes comparable.
Swipe sideways to see the full table →
| Ask about | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Crematorium fee, wood and samagri | Often paid separately at the ground, even when a quote looks all-inclusive. |
| How transport is charged | Distance, time or a flat amount; night hours and travel outside the city can add more. |
| Waiting time | Delays at the hospital or ground can add charges if the vehicle waits. |
| Freezer box days | Charged per day; matters if relatives are travelling in. |
| Who will be with you | A named person to call makes the day calmer. |
| Receipts and refunds | A receipt for every payment, and a clear cancellation policy. |
Source: Eternal Repos survey of Delhi NCR providers and our costs guide.
How can a family avoid pressure and surprise charges?
Five calm steps before paying anyone
- 1
Ask for an itemised quote in writing
A good provider will never rush you. Take a few minutes to read it.
- 2
Hand money matters to one calm person
Ideally not the closest mourner. One person, one record.
- 3
Check the rate board at the ground
MCD grounds must display their rates outside. Compare before paying.
- 4
Decline what you did not ask for
Grief is not a reason to accept extras. It is fine to say no.
- 5
Keep every receipt
You may need them later, and they keep everyone honest at a difficult time.
Be cautious of anyone who approaches you at the hospital or mortuary gate offering services. If something feels wrong, pause and call someone you trust.
