Abuja light train moved 250,000 passengers in 100 days – CCECC

The Abuja Light Rail system moved over 250,000 passengers in over 100 days since commercial passenger operations commenced.

An official of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), John Zhao, disclosed this in a post on X Friday.

The rail system featuring two lines with a total length of 45km was developed and is currently operated CCECC.

According to Zhao, the rail network consists of 12 stations, connecting key areas such as the Abuja city centre, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the main railway line, and Kubwa satellite town.

“During its operation, over 250,000 passengers have already been served,” he stated.

“The Phase I of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit by CCECC has been operating safely for over 100 days.

“Consisting of 2 lines with a total length of 45 km and 12 stations, the maximum operating speed of the trains can reach 100 km/h.

“It connects Abuja city centre, the international airport, rail line, and Kubwa satellite town.”

The post further noted that since the Abuja light rail commenced passenger operations, it had significantly reduced traffic jam in the Federal Capital City.

In May 2024, passenger operations were launched on Phase 1 of the rail line, with CCECC currently operating the line.

President Bola Tinubu introduced a two-month free ride service, which was later extended to the end of 2024, significantly boosting public interest and use of the rail system.

The Abuja Rail Mass Transit, constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) and inaugurated in 2018 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, had faced delay in fully commencing operations due to a lack of essential infrastructure, including access roads.

The challenges, along with disruptions caused by the COVID-19 lockdown, led to the project being temporarily halted. To address these issues, several budget allocations were made.

In August 2023, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) awarded a N5 billion contract to CCECC for the rehabilitation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit.

Further rehabilitation efforts continued with N29 billion allocated in the 2024 Federal Capital Territory statutory budget to support the project.

The original construction of the project cost $823 million.

Lagos, Chinese firm sign MoU for Lekki-Ajah-VI rail construction 

Lagos State Government is set to commence the construction of the Green Rail Line linking Victoria Island, Lekki and Ajah.

The state government, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of the Green Line Rail.

The MoU, witnessed by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, and key officials, was signed during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, China.

This partnership will see MOFI and CHEC provide the financing, design, operation, and maintenance of the Green Line, which will complement the already operational Blue and Red Lines, serving thousands of Lagos residents daily.

Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the transformative impact of the Green Line Rail, which will link major areas such as Victoria Island, Lekki, and Ajah.

“This historic MoU marks the beginning of an ambitious project that will redefine public transportation in Lagos,” said Sanwo-Olu.

“The Green Line, a 68km rail running from Lekki Free Zone to Marina, will connect with the Blue Line, linking key areas and revolutionizing our transport infrastructure.”

At launch, the rail line is expected to transport over 500,000 passengers daily, with capacity projected to rise to over a million as demand increases. According to the governor, the project aligns with the state’s Strategic Transport Masterplan, which aims to build a fast, efficient, and interconnected transport system.

Excitement as passengers begin free ride on new Lagos Red Rail Line

The Lagos Mass Transit Red Line Rail on Wednesday commenced partial operations with non-fee-paying passengers riding.

Spokesperson for the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Kolawole Ojelabi, announced the start of the new train operations in a statement on Tuesday.

President Bola Tinubu commissioned the Red Line Rail Mass Transit project on February 29 this year, marking a significant milestone in the city’s transportation system.

According to LAMATA, the Red Line Rail is one of the six rail lines and one monorail prescribed for Lagos in her Strategic Transport Master Plan.

The trains will convey passengers free and run four daily trips between Oyingbo and Agbado.

It is also a transport project connecting Lagos with Ogun State, as many Lagos workers and business owners reside in Ogun.

Ojelabi said the milestone marked the culmination of planning and training of technical and ground staff; installation of all the security features, and a successful six-week trial run conducted without passengers to ensure the system’s safety, reliability, and efficiency.

“From Wednesday, August 28, the Red Line system will interact with non-fee-paying passengers in organised groups to collect feedback before the commencement of commercial operations.

“The partial operations, similar to what was done during the test phase of the Blue Line, is a major step forward in realising the Lagos State Government’s vision of a modern, efficient, integrated and sustainable transportation system.

“The Red Line’s first phase, a 27-kilometre rail road from Agbado to Oyingbo, will provide a reliable and affordable transportation option for commuters, reducing traffic congestion and improving the quality of life for Lagos residents,” Ojelabi said.