The federal government revealed on Saturday that train services on the Port Harcourt to Aba route are set to commence by the end of March.
Mr. Fidet Okhiria, Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), made the announcement 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 to restart train services within the projected three-week period.
“We are pushing the contractor to make the track safe by deploying semi-automatic signalling of the machine points rather than manual operation. Despite resource challenges, the contractors are doing their best, and our goal is to achieve this within the next two weeks. With this, we aim to commence passenger train services hopefully within March and fully resume transporting people from Port Harcourt to Aba by the end of March,” Okhiria assured.
Additionally, Okhiria mentioned the initiation of the process to design a railway track linking the Port Harcourt-Aba railroad line with the Onne seaport.
He highlighted collaboration between NRC, the terminal manager of the port, and top engineers to ensure seamless execution.
Regarding transport fares, Okhiria noted the possibility of fare increases due to rising diesel costs. He stated that if NRC cannot cover the full cost of fuel, they aim to recover at least 50 per cent of these costs from passenger fares.
Additionally, road conditions would be evaluated to cover at least 50 per cent of those costs.
Okhiria also emphasized the government’s efforts, in collaboration with security agencies, to ensure the safety and security of railway lines. This includes integrating security devices on trains with the control room for enhanced monitoring.
Furthermore, Okhiria warned traders operating along rail lines that trains would no longer decelerate to allow goods removal before passing.
Trains will adhere to strict schedules, operating at fixed times across the country’s rail network, to improve efficiency and reliability of service.
