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NRC to link rail lines to tank farms

By on May 28, 2013

The Nigeria Railway Corporation,NRC, has announced plans to link rail lines to the various petroleum tank farms in different parts of the country.

The Managing Director of NRC, Mr. Adeseyi Sijuade, disclosed this to news men during the unveiling of the corporation’s Public Private Initiatives in Lagos.

He said the idea is part of the repositioning agenda of the NRC, as it plays a more dominant role in freight movement.

“This idea of linking rail lines to the tank farms is part of our strategic goals. This will help to reduce the burden of hauling petroleum products by the road and in the long term become a reliable means of moving petroleum products across the country,” he said.

He noted that part of the strategic goals also include, “to improve the quality of rail infrastructure and services, make rail the major mover of freight over long distance within the country and make rail a viable and reliable alternative mode of transport for passengers.”

Sijuade also disclosed that plans were underway to link all state capitals and major economic centres as well as all Inland Container Depots, ICDs to the rail network.

On the current railway rehabilitation works, the NRC boss said the Corporation had refurbished about 350 wagons, 120 coaches and procured 20 oil tank wagons. He added that additional 20 wagons will arrive by July 2013, while another set of 68-seater modern coaches are expected to be delivered by December.

Other rolling stock to be procured within this year include: “Rail Inspection Vehicles, CNR locomotives, two sets of Diesel Multiple Units, DMU, and three Wheel Lathe Machines, fully loaded.

Under the Railway Modernisation Programme, he said: “the completion of the Ajaokuta/Itakpe to Warri Standard Guage has reached 70 per cent, as work is still in progress. The construction of the Abuja to Kaduna Standard Guage has attained 40 per cent completion, while the construction of the Lagos to Ibadan Standard Gauge has been awarded and a number of feasibility studies are also ongoing for some new lines.

He however identified security as the major challenge confronting the ongoing rehabilitation works especially in the northern part of the country.

He called for more funding from government to complete the rehabilitation of the western and eastern lines, and to continue with the modernization projects.

(vanguard)