The federal government is offering free train ride
for commuters on the Lagos-Abeokuta section of
the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail for two
months with effect from Wednesday.
The free ride will be flagged off on that day by
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Transportation
Minister Rotimi Amaechi announced on Friday in
Lagos.
Amaechi who was on a routine inspection of the
project expressed satisfaction at the standard of
work done by the contractor, the China Civil
Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC).
He said two coaches would be deployed from
Itakpe-Warri railway station to make four coaches
which would run the free ride for two months.
His words: “I am impressed. The Vice-President
will ride the train on February 6. He is coming to
flag off the passengers’ use of the first phase
from Lagos to Abeokuta which would reduce
travel time from 1 hour 30 minutes to 45
minutes.â€
The minister said that work was in progress on
the various train stations within the numerous
corridors.
He said efforts were being made to expedite work
between Agbado and Apapa axis of the project.
â€The level of work would have been faster in
Lagos but due to some challenges of right of way
in the city,†he added.
According to the minister, the rail project will
further bring about economic development in the
area and Nigeria when ready.
The minister inspected, among others, the
Bolade-Oshodi, Iju-Fagba, Ijoko rail tracks to
assess the laying of rail tracks on the axis
Mr Fidet Okhiria, Managing Director, Nigerian
Railway Corporation (NRC), had said that the
track laying of the project was moving towards
Lagos, adding that 1.5 kilometres tracks were laid
everyday.
â€They have done a lot in laying of tracks between
Abeokuta, Itori, Papalanto, Kajola, Ijoko towards
Lagos corridor.
â€Within seven days the track laying will reach Iju
towards Agege corridor of Lagos State.
â€From here to Iju its 10 kilometres, and we are
laying 1.5 kilometers on daily basis and by first
week of February we will do a test run to
Abeokuta from Lagos.
â€All the formations have been put in place to
expedite the tracks laying,†the NRC boss had
said on Wednesday.
Mr Jerry Oche, the NRC Lagos District Manager,
said that the train, when completed, would be
travelling by 150 kilometres per hour on the 156
kilometres Lagos – Ibadan trip in less than two
hours.
â€With the new standard gauge you can reside in
Ibadan and be working in Lagos which is a very
good development to people and for our
economy,†he said.
source: thenationonlineng.net/fg-offers-two-month-free-ride-lagos-abeokuta-train/
