Collapsed Gujarat suspension bridge reopened 4 days back

Ahmedabad, Oct 30: Ninety-one people were killed after the suspension bridge on the Machchhu river in Gujarat's Morbi collapsed on Sunday evening.

It was reportedly reopened just four days ago after seven months of repair work by a private firm, but had not received the municipality's "fitness certificate", an official told PTI.

The more than a century-old bridge in Morbi city collapsed around 6.30 pm. "The bridge was given to Oreva company for operation and maintenance for 15 years. In March this year, it was closed for the public for renovation. It reopened after renovation on the Gujarati New Year day celebrated on October 26," said Chief Officer of Morbi Municipality Sandeepsinh Zala.

"It was opened to the public after the completion of the renovation work. But the local municipality had not yet issued any fitness certificate (after the renovation work)," he said.

An "engineering marvel" built at the turn of the 19th century, the suspension bridge was said to reflect "the progressive and scientific nature of the rulers of Morbi," as per its description on the district collectorate website, the news agency reported.

Sir Waghji Thakor, who ruled Morbi till 1922, was inspired by the Colonial influence and decided to construct the bridge, an "artistic and technological marvel" of that period, to connect Darbargadh Palace with Nazarbag Palace (the residences of the then royalty).

The bridge was 1.25 metres wide and spanned 233 metres, and was meant to give a unique identity to Morbi using the latest technology available in those days in Europe, as per the collectorate website.