The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is actively restoring old narrow gauge networks, particularly focusing on the Eastern line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.
This initiative, deemed crucial by the Federal Government, aims to revive economic activities along the Eastern corridor.
Jerry Oche, Director of Mechanical Services and Signal Communication at NRC, shared these updates, emphasizing the rehabilitation of coaches and locomotives.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari highlighted the positive impact on industry and trade, addressing the challenges posed by insurgent activities in the region.
Oche, overseeing the preparation for operations, expressed swift action to ensure the readiness of vehicles for Aba Port-Harcourt train services.
The NRC is committed to promptly repairing and facilitating train services for passengers in the eastern part of the country.
“Vehicles undergoing immediate repairs are five SPs, one SPA, one DRC and two BVAs. Some of the vehicles in Enugu will be moved down to Aba to assist in receiving the anticipated overflow of passengers and goods, which is usually experienced on the route.
“Also, NRC Civil Engineers are working on the track, preparatory to the introduction of the Jos intra-city mass transit train in Jos, Plateau.”
The Deputy Director, Public Affairs of NRC, Malam Mahmood Yakub, also disclosed that several coaches had been rehabilitated to resume the Lagos-Kano Express passenger train.
The Managing Director, NRC, Fidet Okhiria, while inspecting the newly completed Port Harcourt-Aba track, had said, “We are working in phases, they have laid the track up to Aba but we are so anxious to commence operation and that is why the minister has directed us to come and see, so that we can plan ahead to commence operation.
“So we took an inspection from Port Harcourt to Aba. We have confirmed that the main track has been restored.
“As we speak, we can put locomotives and wagons on the track from Port Harcourt to Aba.
“We are working hard to ensure that very soon, the operations will start. Signaling and communication will also be restored soon.
“The NRC boss said the Lagos-Kano Express Train Service will resume in the first quarter of 2024, saying the NRC is working round the clock to restore the old narrow gauge tracks,” Yakubu said.
