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MORBI: The Oreva Group’s claim of “full and final” renovation of the 143-year-old Morbi suspension footbridge that collapsed on October 30, killing 135 people, was little more than cosmetic work on which the company spent Rs 12 lakh, or 6% of the allotted Rs 2 crore, the ongoing probe has revealed.
Oreva Group chairman Jaysukh Patel, whose firm wrangled a 15-year maintenance and operation contract with the Morbi Nagar Palika last March, had announced October 24 that the bridge was ready and safe to be reopened on Gujarati New Year. He said the renovation, spanning six months, was complete.
The police investigation into the collapse has since revealed how the company sub-contracted the renovation and allegedly spent a fraction of what was required to strengthen the rickety bridge. The findings are in line with that of the Forensic Science Laboratory, which said there was no sign of the structure getting anything beyond a nip and tuck.
“The only fitness test of the bridge was the stroll across the carriageway that Patel and his family took on October 24,” an official said.
Oreva, which makes clocks and appliances but doesn’t have expertise in infrastructure, had subcontracted the renovation to Dhrangadhra-based firm DevPrakash Solutions. Investigators have found out that the sub-contractor, too, lacks the technical know-how required for such work.
The money spent on repairing the bridge is mentioned in documents seized from DevPrakash Solutions.
Sources privy to the investigation told TOI that some painting, greasing and other superficial work were carried out instead of strengthening the structure, which entailed changing the rusty cables and other components.
Oreva Group chairman Jaysukh Patel, whose firm wrangled a 15-year maintenance and operation contract with the Morbi Nagar Palika last March, had announced October 24 that the bridge was ready and safe to be reopened on Gujarati New Year. He said the renovation, spanning six months, was complete.
The police investigation into the collapse has since revealed how the company sub-contracted the renovation and allegedly spent a fraction of what was required to strengthen the rickety bridge. The findings are in line with that of the Forensic Science Laboratory, which said there was no sign of the structure getting anything beyond a nip and tuck.
“The only fitness test of the bridge was the stroll across the carriageway that Patel and his family took on October 24,” an official said.
Oreva, which makes clocks and appliances but doesn’t have expertise in infrastructure, had subcontracted the renovation to Dhrangadhra-based firm DevPrakash Solutions. Investigators have found out that the sub-contractor, too, lacks the technical know-how required for such work.
The money spent on repairing the bridge is mentioned in documents seized from DevPrakash Solutions.
Sources privy to the investigation told TOI that some painting, greasing and other superficial work were carried out instead of strengthening the structure, which entailed changing the rusty cables and other components.
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