The last rites of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be held at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi at 11:45 AM today, with full state honours.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed, “It has been decided by the Government that Dr. Manmohan Singh will be accorded a state funeral. The funeral will take place at 11:45 AM on 28th December 2024 at Nigambodh Ghat, New Delhi.”
Manmohan Singh passed away on December 26 at the age of 92 after a prolonged battle with age-related illnesses. His death has led to an outpouring of grief and tributes globally. The government has declared a seven-day period of state mourning in his honour.
10 Updates on Manmohan Singh’s Funeral:
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- Procession Details: The body of Manmohan Singh will be transported from his residence to the Congress’s Akbar Road headquarters at 8 AM on Saturday, where the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects.
- Funeral Procession: At 9:30 AM, the funeral procession will begin its journey to Nigambodh Ghat.
- Cremation Time: Manmohan Singh’s body will be cremated at 11:45 AM at Nigambodh Ghat with full state honours.
- Memorial Plans: The Union Home Ministry announced that space will be allocated for a memorial to the former prime minister. This has been communicated to his family and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
- Cremation Location: The Ministry clarified that the location for the cremation and memorial was finalized after discussions with the family and Congress. A trust will be formed to oversee the memorial.
- Congress’ Reaction: Congress leaders had previously expressed concerns over the delay in finding a suitable location for Manmohan Singh’s cremation, calling it an insult to India’s first Sikh prime minister. Jairam Ramesh of Congress emphasized that the lack of a befitting location did not reflect Singh’s global stature and contributions.
- Traffic Advisory: Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory due to the funeral. Traffic diversions and restrictions will be enforced on Ring Road (Mahatma Gandhi Marg), Nishad Raj Marg, Boulevard Road, SPM Marg, Lothian Road, and Netaji Subhash Marg from 7 AM onwards, likely until 3 PM.
- Impact on Commuters: The Delhi Police has urged commuters traveling to areas such as Old Delhi Railway Station, ISBT, Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, and Tis Hazari Court to leave with ample time to account for potential delays due to traffic disruptions.
- Public Mourning: A seven-day period of state mourning has been declared in honour of Singh’s passing, reflecting the respect and admiration the nation holds for his decades of service.
- Global Tributes: Tributes continue to pour in from across the world, acknowledging Manmohan Singh’s legacy as an influential leader who shaped India’s economic policies and global standing.
