VASCO: A portion of a retaining wall collapsed near Rumdawada on Wednesday morning.

According to the information, the retaining wall was constructed by the Border Road Organisation (BRO), some six years ago, in order to avoid landslides in the MPT premises.

However, thereafter a footpath with interlocking tiles was constructed adjacent to the retaining wall on the initiative of the former Mormugao MLA, Mr Karl Vaz, which gave a new look to the National Highway-17, leading to Headland-Sada from the railway overbridge at Desterro.

The deputy chairman of MPT, Mr P C Parida, chief engineer, Mr Ashok Lokhande and other officials of the port inspected the site of the incident on Wednesday morning.

While speaking to the media, the deputy chairman, MPT, Mr Parida informed that a portion of the retaining wall had collapsed on account of the heavy rain witnessed in the last couple of days.

He said that the water coming down from the hilly terrain of Jetty, had seeped into the foundation and soaked it thereby weakening it. He said this was the most probable cause for its collapse.

About 25 meters of the retaining wall collapsed at around 8.45 a.m. MPT officials have informed that no damage was caused to any rail wagons, which are usually stationed on the other side of the wall.

A visit to the site revealed that there was no proper outlet for the water coming down from the hillock, and this water got accumulated in the middle of the road. An urgent need is felt to construct a drain, adjacent to the highway leading to Headland-Sada and also a proper outlet for the water.