Railway
New Lagos-Ibadan rail ready for travellers in December – Amaechi
People travelling from Lagos to Ibadan, South-West of Nigeria, for the end of this year’s festivities will be able to use the fast rail line being constructed along that route, the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, has said.
The minister also hinted that President Muhammadu Buhari would ride on the train in January next year to formally flag off commercial operation on the new standard gauge rail line.
Amaechi spoke in Ibadan railway station of the standard gauge line on Saturday during a tour of the line and stations between Lagos and Ibadan undertaken with with top officials of the ministry, Chairman of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Ibrahim Musa; and Managing Director of the NRC, Fidet Okheria.
He was fielding questions from journalists on the extent of job done by the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, and when full commercial operation would begin on the new rail line.
He said the track work had been completed with finishing touches being carried out by the CCECC on the train stations.
“Whether we finish or not, it is necessary to provide train services before the festive season.”
Amaechi, however, said the end-of-year travellers would have to pay for their trip on the train, adding that “it will no longer be free.”
The Federal Government had for about two months made ride on the fast train by members of the public free before the outbreak of coronavirus as part of the trial run ahead of full operation.
“We have had several test-runs. From 2019 December, we have been having test-runs. This trip is also a test-run,” Amaechi stated.
The minister commended the pace of work by the Chinese contractors, noting, “The last time we came, we were literally quarrelling with them. But now there is a huge improvement.
“The contractor has done the best it could. The problem is with the weather. There was a time we had challenges with weather. But beyond that I think that they have done well. The guys have done well, we have given them a timeline and they are trying to meet up.
“I think there is a huge improvement from the last time we came and you can see that it (the work) is coming to an end.”
Railway
FG hands over $3bn Port Harcourt-Aba railway project to NRC
FG hands over $3bn Port Harcourt-Aba railway project to NRC
The 62-kilometre, $3.02 billion Port Harcourt-Aba railway project has been completed by Federal Government and handed over to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
The Port Harcourt-Aba section is part of the larger Port Harcourt-Maiduguri eastern narrow gauge railway project, initiated under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The project supervisor, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Ayo Dada, formally transferred the railway to the NRC during a brief ceremony held on Thursday in Port Harcourt.
He said that the project, completed in May, had significantly improved passenger movement between Rivers and Abia, thereby enhancing their economies.
“The assets handed over include dismantled tracks measuring 283.060 km, rehabilitated and reconstructed 62.800 km of subgrade and the laying of 62.800 km of rail for the main line,” Dada said.
“This includes the laying of rail for sliding lines covering 5.690 km and the reconstruction of 27 sets of turnouts at Port Harcourt, Elelenwo, Obuzor, Umugo and Aba Stations, among others.”
Dada said that with the handover of the Port Harcourt–Aba section, the Federal Government would focus on the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri phase of the project.
READ ALSO:
- Naira appreciates to N1,740/$ in parallel market
- Reform Bills propose 55 per cent VAT revenue for states
- Nigeria ranks 4th among Africa’s most improved visa friendly nations
“The contractor has submitted the technical specifications and maintenance manual for the Port Harcourt–Aba section to the consultants.
“The ministry is committed to completing this project, which will foster national development,” he said.
The Managing Director of the NRC, Ben Iloanusi, commended the Federal Government and the ministry of transportation for the timely completion and transfer of the project.
Iloanusi, represented by the NRC Deputy Manager (Civil), Adesegun Ogunade, said that the railway had greatly benefited Nigerians seeking affordable transportation options.
“The rail line, now in operation, has started mitigating the impact of high transportation costs caused by economic challenges,” he said.
“Train services have been running for some time and passengers have reported that it has made commuting between Port Harcourt and Aba more convenient, faster and cheaper.
“People are already experiencing the benefits of this government’s policies and programmes.’’
He assured that the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri section would also be completed in due course, emphasising that adequate security arrangements had been made to ensure the safety of workers and passengers.
FG hands over $3bn Port Harcourt-Aba railway project to NRC
Railway
NRC increases trips on Abuja-Kaduna route from four to six
NRC increases trips on Abuja-Kaduna route from four to six
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced an increase in the number of trains on its Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) route in response to rising demand based on its customer feedback.
A statement signed by the NRC Deputy Director of Public Relations, Yakub Mahmood, on Wednesday, said the number of trains had been increased to six from four, running Monday to Friday during peak periods.
This development, it added, aimed to enhance customer satisfaction by making commuting more convenient and accessible on the route as well as tackling complaints of ticket racketeering.
The statement quoted the acting Managing Director of the NRC, Ben Iloanusi, as saying that a five-month trend analysis revealed a 22 per cent increase in new passengers registering on the ticketing platform for the Abuja-Kaduna route.
The surge, he said, showed a growing preference among Nigerians for train travel as a comfortable, reliable, and safe commuting option.
The statement read, “The Nigerian Railway Corporation, reaffirming its commitment to responding to customer demands, improving customer satisfaction, and tackling complaints of ticket racketeering, has increased the number of train services from four to six from Monday to Friday when demand tends to peak on its AKTS route.”
The NRC also noted that similar trends had been observed on the Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe, and Port Harcourt-Aba routes, with efforts already underway to enhance services along these routes as well.
The acting MD assured Nigerians of the increased presence of NRC senior management across all train service routes to drive continuous efficiency and tackle the issue of ticket racketeering head-on.
“Our valued customers are encouraged to use NRC ticket platforms online to take advantage of the increased services and avoid patronising ticket racketeers.
“Additional information can be obtained from the NRC website, www.nrc.gov.ng,” it stated.
The expanded services on the Abuja-Kaduna route, it said, followed similar enhancements on the Lagos-Ibadan route, which now includes additional trips on Fridays and Saturdays to accommodate increasing demand.
Railway
Nigerian railway adds extra train to Friday, Saturday trips on Lagos-Ibadan route
Nigerian railway adds extra train to Friday, Saturday trips on Lagos-Ibadan route
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the introduction of additional train trips on its Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS) route, exclusively for Fridays and Saturdays.
This initiative increases weekend trips from two to three, offering commuters greater travel flexibility.
The announcement, made via the NRC’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, revealed that the new Lagos-to-Ibadan trip will depart at 1:40 pm, complementing the existing schedules of 7:45 am and 4:00 pm.
For the Ibadan-to-Lagos route, the additional trip is set for 10:50 am, joining the regular departures at 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.
READ ALSO:
- Belgium University offers scholarship up to €12,000 for Master’s students
- NNPCL to deliver 12 CNG stations, LNG mini plants
- How to stay focused in marriage, avoid divorce – Ironkwe
“Catch our extra Friday & Saturday train trips on LAGOS – IBADAN TRAIN SERVICE (LITS).
“LAGOS to IBADAN:
“•Times: 7:45am, 1:40pm, 4:00pm
“IBADAN to LAGOS:
“•Times: 8:00am, 10:50am, 4:30pm,” NRC’s tweet read in part.
This tweet by the Nigerian Railway Corporation further noted that the new schedule complements the existing Sunday-to-Thursday trips, which remain unchanged with departure times at 8:00 am and 4:00 pm from both Lagos and Ibadan.
This move by the NRC to expand the schedule is aimed at accommodating increased demand, particularly during weekends, and providing greater flexibility for commuters traveling between Lagos and Ibadan.
The move is expected to ease travel pressures and improve convenience for passengers on one of Nigeria’s busiest rail routes.
Travelers are encouraged to take advantage of the additional services and book tickets early via the e-ticketing website. to secure their spots, especially as the Lagos-Ibadan rail route continues to grow in popularity.
Nigerian railway adds extra train to Friday, Saturday trips on Lagos-Ibadan route
-
metro14 hours agoBuilding collapse: Lagos BCPG takes campaign to block makers, holds practical demonstration Wednesday
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Ambode’s Lagos gov campaign poster surfaces
-
metro14 hours agoJUST IN: Police arrest Obi loyalist, Dele Farotimi, over alleged UBA Chairman Elumelu’s petition
-
metro1 day agoIn biggest assets recovery, govt official forfeits estate with 753 duplexes to EFCC
-
metro2 days agoNigerian actress joins US Army
-
News2 days agoWe were living ‘fake life’ before fuel subsidy removal, Forex rate unification – Tinubu
-
metro2 days agoRobbers attack Nigerian football club travelling for league match
-
International3 days agoSex workers get maternity leave, pensions in Belgium under new law
You must be logged in to post a comment Login