The Federal Government has assured passengers of the safety of the Warri-Itakpe train service as it resumes operation on Monday, following a train accident that occurred on Thursday at the Major Gen. David Ejor Rail Station.
The Minister of Transportation, Ahmed Alkali, gave the assurance during an inspection of the Agbor-Abraka rail station on Sunday, where he was represented by the acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Pius Oteh.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the prompt response of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) in addressing the incident, which did not result in any casualties. “We are happy to see that normalcy has been restored,” Oteh said. “The Nigeria Railway Corporation NRC has used its internal resources to fix the track, and we are confident that the train will resume its operation tomorrow.”
Oteh also commended the NRC for its efficient and effective service over the years, noting that efforts are ongoing to increase the frequency of services from two sessions daily. The minister also disclosed that plans are underway to extend the railway line to Abuja.
On the issue of kidnapping around the railway, Oteh assured that security agencies are working to address the trend and ensure public safety. He encouraged passengers to continue using the train, emphasizing that their safety is paramount.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of NRC, Freeborn Okhiria, appealed to residents of Delta State to own railway facilities and take responsibility for their maintenance to ensure their safety. Okhiria noted that the facilities do not belong to any individual or organization, but rather are a national asset.
He attributed some of the issues experienced by the railway service to man-made problems, including security concerns, and announced plans to expand the number of coaches to accommodate more passengers. The NRC is also working to increase its operating hours due to limited time availability.
With these assurances, passengers can expect a smooth resumption of services on Monday, with enhanced security measures in place.
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