The Port Harcourt-Aba train service, spanning 62 kilometres, has been launched by the federal government.
To promote and increase the use of the rail service, FG also announced a 4-day free train ride from May 1-4.
It is anticipated that commercial services will begin on May 7.
Transportation is one of President Bola Tinubu’s eight top priorities, according to a statement released by the federal ministry of transportation on Tuesday. As a result, the minister has directed his attention on the eastern rail corridor project since entering office.
Alkali said the commencement of the train service is part of the intensified drive by FG to facilitate trade, enhance mobility, and accessibility, as well as ensure connectivity between regions.
“With the completion of the rehabilitation of the Port-Harcourt to Aba rail corridor, the Ministry will continue to vigorously drive the contractor Messrs CCECC towards the speedy completion and delivery of the 181 kilometres Aba-Enugu stretch,” Alkali said.
“The fare for the Port-Harcourt to Aba train service has been pegged at #1000 for VIP & #800 for economy class.”
Fidet Okhiria, the managing director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), said the locomotives and coaches used for the flag-off are refurbished ones.
Okhiria said the contractor is expected to deliver 50 narrow gauge locomotives and 100 narrow gauge coaches to be deployed along existing train corridors in the country.
On March 2, FG said the train services would commence by the end of March.
However, on March 29, the launch was postponed to April.
The rail line is a section of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railroad project initiated by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
