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NRC plans to increase Lagos-Kano train to three

By on June 16, 2013

There are indications that the weekly Lagos-Kano train shuttle will soon be increased from one to three.

Chairman, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, dropped the hint in Lagos during a recent special train ride as part of a nationwide inspection of facilities at the corporation.

He also said the Lagos mass transit trains currently carrying about 16,000 passengers per day would be increased to ease the congestion being experienced on the train.

He said, “We have seen the possibility of increasing the number of trips from Lagos to Kano from one to two or thrice a week. You will realise also that the available coaches and wagons cannot satisfy the teeming commuters in Lagos; we have many people who are very eager to use train.”

The NRC chairman expressed happiness at the overwhelming acceptance of the railway transport mode by the people in the state, noting that the rail system was “very effective.”

Baraje said the board had seen the plight of commuters in Lagos as well as people travelling to other states of the country, adding that it would address the challenges in due course.

He said, “We are going to work together with the Managing Director, Engr. Adeseyi Sijuade, to increase the number of our train shuttles in Lagos.

“As a result, my board has discussed with the managing director; and very soon, we are going to increase the number of trains for Lagos shuttles to meet the teeming demand.”

Baraje also disclosed that the corporation would soon complete the rehabilitation of 200 grounded wagons in preparation for the connection of the rail to the nation’s sea ports.

“Right now in our workshops, we are reconditioning and revitalising 200 wagons and presently; we are expecting 20 coaches to meet the demands of various places,” he said.

Baraje said the NRC would extend railway track to all parts of the country, including areas not presently connected.

“Our plan is to equally extend the railway track to areas where they don’t have the rail transport system and commence the standard gauge,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that members of the NRC board had the train ride from Ebute-Meta District to Ikeja.

 

 

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