The Oreva group, contracted by the Morbi municipality to repair and operate for 15 years the bridge that collapsed, specialises in wall clocks and e-bikes.

Founded by Odhavji Raghavji Patel five decades ago, the firm manufactures wall clocks under the popular Ajanta and Orpat brands. Patel, who died earlier this month, was known in the country as the “father of wall clocks”.

The company he ran before his death also makes light bulbs and toothpaste. What

is unclear from business records is whether it had any experience operating bridges before taking over the one in Morbi.

After winning the contract, Oreva, which also goes by the name Ajanta, managed seven months of repairs on the bridge. The structure reopened four days before the disaster, timed to coincide with the Gujarati New Year, on October 26.

The company had said on October 26 that it had drafted in experts for the repair work, adding that the material used was built in line with the specifications listed by specialised firms.

The company can collect Rs 15 from adults and Rs 10 from children aged below 12 as entry tickets for the first year, with a Rs 2 hike every subsequent year.