The Nigerian Railway Corporation has commenced the reactivation of old narrow gauge networks, with the Eastern line currently at an advanced stage in preparation to resume operations.
The focal point of this endeavor is the Eastern line, stretching from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, identified as a crucial route by the Federal Government.
The Director of Mechanical Services and Signal Communication at NRC, Jerry Oche, revealed these developments in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos.
Before former President Muhammadu Buhari left office, he underlined at the time that the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri railway would lead to the revival of economic activities along the Eastern corridor.
He had also highlighted the impact of insurgent activities on the region and expressed the belief that the railway project would serve as a stimulus for industry and trade.
According to Oche, the NRC has initiated the rehabilitation of coaches and locomotives in preparation for the resumption of operations on the all-important route.
Oche stated that personally, he had promptly taken action to ensure the readiness of vehicles for Aba Port-Harcourt train services within a week.
He mentioned that he received assistance from the District Manager, Port-Harcourt, Mohammed Ibrahim, in the inspection of the vehicles for the services.
He said the NRC had issued an immediate order to commence repairs, aiming to enable train passengers from the eastern part of the country to start enjoying train services.
“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 coaches are currently at Zaria Carriage and Wagons workshop, preparatory to the commencement of the train service, one of the services suspended by the NRC.
“Also there are plans to introduce Kaduna intra-city mass transit trains.
“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.
