The Federal Government has declared that train services on the Port Harcourt to Aba route are set to resume by the end of March.
FG announces resumption of train services on Port Harcourt to Aba route
This announcement was made by Mr. Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), during his visit to Port Harcourt for a test run of the recently reconstructed Eastern Narrow Gauge Rail line.
Okhiria emphasized that workers are in the final stages of preparing the tracks to ensure readiness for comprehensive train operations within the next month. He expressed optimism about the contractor completing the track ‘tampering’ process within the next two weeks, aiming for a restart of train services within the projected three-week period.
“We are pushing the contractor to make the track safe by deploying semi-automatic signaling of the machine points rather than manual operation,” Okhiria stated. “Despite resource challenges, the contractors are doing their best, and our goal is to achieve this within the next two weeks.”
He assured that passenger train services are expected to commence within March, with full transportation services from Port Harcourt to Aba by the end of the month. Additionally, Okhiria mentioned the initiation of the design process for a railway track linking the Port Harcourt-Aba line with the Onne seaport.
Regarding transport fares, Okhiria acknowledged the potential necessity of fare increases for commuters due to the steep rise in diesel costs.
He explained that if the NRC cannot cover the full fuel cost, they aim to recover at least 50% of these costs from passenger fares to maintain operational sustainability. He also mentioned evaluations of road conditions to cover at least 50% of those costs.
Okhiria highlighted the government’s efforts, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, to ensure the safety and security of the railway lines. This includes integrating security devices on trains with control rooms for enhanced monitoring.
Additionally, he warned traders operating along the rail lines that trains would no longer decelerate to allow the removal of goods before passing, emphasizing adherence to strict schedules to improve efficiency and reliability of services.
What you should know
REPORT AFRIQUE had earlier January reported that the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the appointed contractor for the Eastern Narrow Railway project revealed the completion of track laying between Port Harcourt and Aba.
They made the announcement in a statement released on their company’s official website. CCECC marks the achievement as a significant stride in the project’s progress for the new year.
