Exclusive: Gujarat Bridge Reopened In 7 Months In Clear Contract Violation

The agreement exclusively accessed by NDTV reveals that the company must have eight to 12 months for maintenance of the bridge.

The bridge that collapsed in Gujarat's Morbi yesterday, killing more than 140 people, was opened to the public months before time by the private company hired for its maintenance, documents reveal.

According to the contract between the Morbi municipal body and Ajanta Manufacturing Private Limited, the bridge had to be shut for eight to 12 months for maintenance and repairs.

But the historic colonial-era bridge was thrown open to the public on October 26, without a fitness certificate from the civic authorities. Oreva, which is a part of Ajanta, charged Rs 17 for tickets, but every safety rule was broken.

There were close to 500 people on the "hanging bridge" when the cables snapped on Sunday evening, sending hundreds tumbling into the river.