Wall clock maker Oreva Group get contract repair Gujarat Morbi bridge know detail

Gujrat : The Oreva Group, which has come under scrutiny after a cable bridge collapsed in Gujarat's Morbi city, specializes in manufacturing CFL bulbs, wall clocks and e-bikes, but it is yet to be ascertained whether it has acquired the more than 100-year-old bridge. How did you get the repair contract? The death toll in the cable bridge accident on the Machu river in Gujarat's Morbi city has risen to 134 on Monday.

Founded by Odhavji Raghavji Patel about 5 decades ago, the company manufactures wall clocks under the famous Ajanta and Orpat brands. Patel passed away earlier this month at the age of 88. He was a science teacher in a school before trying his hand at business in 1971 at the age of 45. The Ajanta Group, with a revenue of around Rs 800 crore, now manufactures household and electrical appliances, electric lamps, calculators, ceramic products and e-bikes.

Bridge opened without fitness certificate?

The cable bridge over the Machhu river was closed for repairs 7 months ago and was reopened on 26 October on the occasion of the Gujarati New Year. It was popularly known as 'Jhulta Pul'. In March this year, Orewa Group was awarded the contract for repair and maintenance of the bridge by the Morbi civic body. It is alleged that the bridge was opened without a fitness certificate. The company's management could not be reached for comment, but a group spokesperson said soon after the accident that the bridge broke because several people in the middle of the bridge were trying to swing it from side to side.

Orewa Group spreads business in many areas

Morbi-based Oreva Group, which started with manufacturing wall clocks under the Ajanta Transistor Clock Manufacturing Company, has expanded its business to several sectors. The group claims on its website that it employs more than 6,000 people, but has made no mention of its construction business. The Oreva Group, which is recognized in the industry for its low cost, sells its products through 55,000 partners across the country. It has India's largest manufacturing plant at Samakhiyali in Kutch, Gujarat which is spread over 200 acres.