Home BUSINESS Buhari Opens 186 Kilometer Train Service From Abuja To Kaduna

Buhari Opens 186 Kilometer Train Service From Abuja To Kaduna

Train to Kaduna

President Muhammadu Buhari has officially made transportation by modern train possible, commencing from Tuesday, shortly after commissioning the $1.457 billion Abuja- Kaduna rail services.

The 186.5 kilometre standard gauge track was built by the China Railway Construction Corporation with double lines. The Abuja-Kaduna route has nine stations and the train can travel at up to 150 kilometre per hour

The rail has been described as the first Nigeria’s high speed system.

President Buhari, who declared the rail transport open on Tuesday, took a ride from Idu to Kubwa, a suburb of Abuja.

In his speech at the commissioning, President Buhari recalled that the project was conceived by a previous administration, started by the last government and I am pleased to complete and commission it.

“The construction of the Abuja-Kaduna Standard Gauge rail track commenced in 2009 and happily, sixteen years after, we are on the threshold of presenting to Nigerians a Standard Gauge Railway Train Service that will be safe, fast and reliable. The Abuja-Kaduna train service will provide the much needed alternative transport link between the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna State, a corridor which has a huge potential for industries, agricultural activities and a growing labour force.”

The President further recalled that between 1963 and early ‘80s, Nigeria used to have a vibrant rail system which conveyed agricultural and livestock and solid mineral resources to Lagos and Port Harcourt sea ports from where they are exported to other parts of the world.

He said that it the vision of his government to return what he called “those good old days will soon be back with us and indeed in a more prosperous way with the restoration of rail transport system which today’s occasion symbolizes.”

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He commended the nation’s minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi and his team who he said put great efforts in the last few months to ensure the successful completion of this project under this Administration.

He said that the completion and Commissioning of this project is in keeping with the vision of his government to bring about the desired change to make life easier for the generality of Nigerians through the development and provision of the necessary social and physical infrastructure.

“In this regard, I wish to assure Nigerians that most State capitals and major commercial and production centres will be linked with railway system as a way of bringing about rapid socio-economic development and improving the quality of life of the Nigerians and promoting social & regional integration.

“I wish to also reassure Nigerians that due attention will be placed on pursuing the 25-Year Strategic Railway Master Plan which is aimed at rehabilitating the existing 3,505km narrow gauge rail line and developing and constructing new standard gauge rail lines across the country.

“As we celebrate the symbolic return of rail service today I wish to reiterate the commitment of this Administration to pursue with greater vigour and determination rehabilitation and construction of other rail lines including the major Lagos-Calabar and Kano-Lagos lines.

“As we get down to work, I look forward to flagging off many more lines outlined in our transport policy programme.” [myad]

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