Malpem Highway Wall Raises Safety Concern During Monsoon Season
A retaining wall along National Highway 66 at Malpem in Goa has begun to tilt again, raising safety concerns among commuters. The issue has resurfaced barely months after the highway stretch was reopened following similar structural failures linked to soil erosion. Officials attribute the renewed pressure on the wall to accumulated rainwater and soil debris from a nearby hillside. Despite a prior inspection declaring the structure stable, this monsoon has cast fresh doubts over the effectiveness of the reconstruction work and long-term safety of the highway.
The affected highway segment at Malpem was closed for eight months last year due to severe erosion and collapse of earlier protective walls. Reconstruction was undertaken by cutting through hills, a decision now under scrutiny as natural forces continue to test the structural resilience of the upgraded walls. Experts point out that hillside construction in high rainfall zones requires advanced drainage systems and soil retention methods, which may not have been adequately incorporated in this case. The recurring instability has renewed fears over road safety and engineering adequacy in Goa’s infrastructure planning. Soil from the hillside continues to exert lateral pressure on the wall, with runoff from monsoon rains further intensifying the burden. The slope, which was stripped of significant vegetation during highway expansion, has become prone to surface flow and slippage.
According to officials, the lack of deep-rooted foliage weakens natural soil binding, leading to increased erosion. Concerns are also mounting that similar retaining walls along other stretches of the highway might face comparable risks as monsoon activity peaks in the coming weeks. Commuters using this route have voiced anxiety over visible cracks and the wall’s unnatural lean, prompting urgent inspections. Local officials have assured that the issue has been flagged to the public works and other relevant departments. However, residents question why a wall declared stable a month ago is now faltering again. This has triggered calls for an independent structural audit, especially considering that taxpayer funds were used in the recent repair project. Questions persist over the quality of materials and adherence to safety norms during the wall’s reconstruction.
The incident highlights the need for environmentally sound engineering solutions when building highways through hilly and rain-sensitive terrain. Civil experts recommend using terraced stabilisation, bioengineering, and layered drainage systems to handle both surface and groundwater pressure effectively. As infrastructure continues to expand in ecologically fragile areas, prioritising sustainable and climate-resilient design will be crucial. The response to this incident will set a precedent for future projects in Goa and other monsoon-prone states.
