Despite Collector’s Refusal, Morbi Bridge Contract Was Given To Company After Call From Gandhinagar: Report

This bridge in Morbi district, which was opened 5 days ago on the day of the Hindu new year, was closed for renovation for 6 months.

The historic suspension bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi district collapsed Sunday night just five days after its renovation. Over 400 people on the bridge fell into the river. More than 103 people have died due to this tragedy. This bridge, which was opened 5 days ago on the day of the Hindu new year, was closed for renovation for 6 months. It was reopened on October 25. The bridge was renovated at a cost of 2 crores.

This royal suspension bridge of Morbi city was dangerous. There was also a possibility of an accident. Although the bridge was in a bad condition, the administration did not pay heed. As per Gujarat Tak‘s report, the bridge was suddenly handed over to Oreva Group for 15 years after repeated demands. On the other hand, after the renovation, Oreva Group was seeking to make profits. The bridge, as per report, was reopened by the company, on the first day of the Hindu new year without informing the chief officer, municipality or collector or any other local body, or any kind of verification.

Also Read:Know About Oreva Group, The Company At The Centre Of Morbi Bridge Collapse

According to sources, this bridge, owned by the municipality, was closed after the earthquake in 2006-07. However, when a tender was called by the municipality for its renovation, a Mumbai-based company filled a tender of 89 lakhs. Although Oreva had filled a more expensive tender than that, when the call came from Gandhinagar, all orders were handed over to Oreva Group, said Gujarat Tak’s report. Despite the opposition of the District Collector, Oreva Group took up the work including the renovation of this bridge. Since the call came from Gandhinagar, the administration had no choice but to bow down. This decision eventually proved fatal for more than 100 people, the report said.