Unlike a traditional crematorium, the eye-catching structure on Sarkej-Gandhinagar highway, having a huge idol of Lord Shiva [Images] as well as well-manicured gardens, is architecturally aesthetic.

"The crematorium was opened in August," said in-charge of the place Kantibhai Rami, sitting behind a reception counter with a trendy mobile in his hand.

Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority and a city-based non government organisation have developed this place.

The internet facility is appreciated by many since relatives residing in distant places, particularly in foreign lands, can view the last rites of their loved ones on the official website of the crematorium.

"When a dead body arrives here, the relatives can use the 'Prarthana Hall' to offer the final prayers for the departed soul," Rami said.

The hall is fully air-conditioned and is equipped with a music system where the relatives can play 'bhajans' of their choice, he said.

"There are cameras fitted in different areas, including the prathana hall and the area near the electric furnace which can help relay live pictures through the Internet," said AUDA System Manager Amit Trivedi.

"Till date about 70 bodies have been cremated and about four families have used this Internet facility, including one from London [Images] and three others from United States," Trivedi added.

"Cameras have also been fitted near the two electric furnaces and after ritual, the dead body is kept in a trolley which automatically takes it into the burning chamber where it burns at 600 degree celsius for an hour," said Rami.

The fresh air pump and the exhaust blower pump releases the fumes from the furnace into the chimney, while the water pump mixes water to the burnt remains of the body, he added.

"While some of the ash is given to the relatives, the rest is mixed with water and emptied into the Sabarmati River," he said.

"If the deceased was suffering from diseases like cancer, then we do not let the relatives sit near the electric furnace, instead we ask them to sit in the garden behind the staute of Lord Shiva where they could listen to devotional songs," he said.

"Apart from these, the crematorium also has a place where bodies can be burnt in the traditional manner using wood and is also equipped with a wash room where the relative can wash themselves after the rites are over," Rami said.