Excess passengers: FG to consider more locomotives, coaches for Abuja-Lokoja route

The Federal Government is set to purchase more locomotives and coaches for Abuja-Kaduna rail route in order to accommodate large number of passengers who continue to patronise it.

Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amechi, who reacted to the high patronage, said that the number of passengers using the route was already more than the capacity of the available coaches.

He said: “From what we saw, the number of passengers boarding the rail outlives the number of coaches available. We have about four coaches that have the capacity to carry about 380 persons, but right now, more than 380 persons have been boarding those coaches.”

The minister said there was the need to buy more locomotives and coaches when the programme was properly flagged off.

It will be recalled that the minister flagged off the test-running of the project weeks ago, and it has been free ride for many moving on that corridor.

“We have hit the ground running, people are boarding to go to Kaduna free in the test-running of the project. We will start collecting money the day the president commissions the project,” said the Minister.

Amechi reaffirmed the president’s commitment in funding all rail projects in the country, adding that the date for official commissioning of the Abuja -Kaduna rail would soon be announced.

David Olagunju

Recent Posts

May Day: IBEDC celebrates workers, reaffirms commitment to staff welfare

"We remain unwavering in our commitment to policies that promote employee welfare, workplace safety, and…

22 minutes ago

NNPC Foundation conducts free eye surgery for 500 Niger residents

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Foundation has conducted a free eye cataract surgery programme for…

26 minutes ago

Over 1,500 Kwara school girls to get free sanitary kits

The girl-child advocate further called on private companies and non-governmental organisations to create more opportunities…

37 minutes ago

UPDATED: VeryDarkMan is in EFCC custody — Deji Adeyanju

Adeyanju, who is a VDM lawyer, in an update shared on Friday via X, revealed…

45 minutes ago

Ondo community regent vows to pursue development

The newly installed Regent of Ijigba Kingdom in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo…

52 minutes ago

Malaria: FG endorses N1bn geneith health competition

“While countries like Belgium, Britain, and the United States eliminated malaria decades ago, Nigeria continues…

57 minutes ago

Welcome

Install

This website uses cookies.