The federal government has offered free train ride for commuters on the Lagos-Abeokuta section of the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail for two months beginning from Wednesday, February 6.
Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who announced this in Lagos on Friday said the free ride would be flagged off by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Amaechi who was on a routine inspection of the project said he was satisfied with the standard of work done by the contractor, the China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC).
He explained that two coaches would be deployed from Itakpe-Warri railway station to make four coaches which would operate the free ride for two months.
The minister noted that work was in progress on the various train stations within the numerous corridors adding that efforts were being made to expedite work between Agbado and Apapa axis of the project.
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He said: “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.
“The level of work would have been faster in Lagos but due to some challenges of right of way in the city.”
Amaechi expressed optimism that the rail project will further bring about economic development in the area and Nigeria when ready.
He also inspected the Bolade-Oshodi, Iju-Fagba, Ijoko rail tracks to assess the laying of rail tracks on the axis.
Recall that the Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, Fidet Okhiria, had earlier in the said that the track laying of the project was moving towards Lagos, adding that 1.5 kilometres tracks were laid everyday.
“They have done a lot in laying of tracks between Abeokuta, Itori, Papalanto, Kajola, Ijoko towards Lagos corridor.
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.
