VASCO: The retaining wall of the railways near New Vaddem collapsed due to heavy rains in Vasco on Wednesday, delaying the Nizamuddin Express and Howrah Express for nearly eight hours. The Collem-Vasco local train was also cancelled following this incident.
According to sources, the retaining wall collapsed and mud was partially washed away beneath the railway track.
Railway officials claimed that the incident occurred at around 2 pm, due to which they could not permit any rail movement on the tracks.
“We had to send back the local train coming from Cullem to the Cansaulim railway station,” said one official.
The official informed that they pressed KTC buses into service to bring the stranded passengers of Howrah Express from Margao to Vasco.
However, the Nizamuddin Express, scheduled to leave from Vasco at around 3.15 pm, and the Howrah Express, scheduled to leave at 7 pm, were delayed.
When contacted, the Vasco railway station manager stated that the work has been undertaken on a war footing and was expected to be completed by Wednesday evening.
“The Nizamuddin Express will leave Vasco railway station by 8 pm, while the Howrah Express will leave by 9 pm,” said the station manager.
Due to the delay, the Vasco railway station was crowded with passengers travelling by both these trains.
It was, however, a boon for handcarts and other vendors, as they made brisk business selling omelette pao, batata wada and other snacks outside the station.
