Kaduna BRT to be ready in 36 months — State govt

Kaduna State Government has said that its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will be completed within 36 months.

Officials of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA) disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Kaduna Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

They said the government had concluded plans for the construction of a dedicated BRT lane from Kawo Bridge to the southern part of the metropolis.

Speaking during the visit, the team, led by Mr. Musa Luka, explained that the median separators on the major highway in the city would be converted into BRT lanes to ease traffic congestion.

According to him, “When the project is completed, Kaduna metropolis, including its roads and streetlights, will be transformed. The entire city will be beautified, and movement at night will be safer,” Luka said.

He noted that the BRT system is designed to accommodate Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), making public transportation more inclusive.

“Kaduna metropolis meets all the criteria for a BRT system. People from various communities come into the city daily, and this project will ensure better movement. We will carry all stakeholders along in its implementation,” he added.

He assured that identified bottlenecks would be addressed to ensure smooth implementation.

Luka further disclosed that the dedicated BRT lanes would run from the Monday Market axis to Kawo and other frequently used roads within Kaduna metropolis. He said the project had been thoroughly studied, and its implementation would commence soon.

“The project has already started, and implementation will begin any moment from now. Everything has been planned, and it will take 36 months to complete,” he stated.

It will be recalled that as part of efforts to advance plans for the BRT system, the Kaduna State government visited the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) for guidance on procurement and operations.

LAMATA, responsible for overseeing Lagos’ BRT network, hosted a delegation from the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), led by Acting Director-General, Engineer Inuwa Ibrahim.

Luka, however, expressed gratitude to Governor Uba Sani for his full support, which he said was instrumental in making the project a reality.

Responding, Chairman of NUJ, Kaduna State Council, Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe, described the initiative as a welcome development.

Alabelewe commended the government for involving the media early enough in the project planning, which he said will go a long way at sensitizing members of the public.

“We appreciate that you have come to engage the media. Too often, we are only contacted when things go wrong. This proactive approach is commendable, and we will ensure the public is well-informed about the project,” he said.

He described Kaduna as “the melting pot of all Nigerian tribes and the central business hub of the North,” noting that the BRT project would ease evening traffic congestion and provide relief for commuters.

“This project will add colour to Kaduna as a city and the capital of Northern Nigeria. We assure you of our commitment to ensuring its success,” the NUJ Chairman added.