Four Days Free Ride: FG Launches PH-Aba Train Service

The federal government has launched the 62-kilometer (km) Port Harcourt-Aba train service.

Federal government also declared a four-day free train travel from May 1-4 to encourage and push use of the rail service.

Commercial services are planned to start on May 7.

In a statement issued by the federal ministry of transportation on Tuesday, Saidu Alkali, minister of transportation, stated that transportation is one of President Bola Tinubu's eight core objectives, which is why he has focused on the eastern rail corridor project since entering office.

Alkali stated that the train service's launch is part of FG's increased efforts to boost trade, improve mobility and accessibility, and maintain regional connection.

“With the completion of the rehabilitation of the Port-Harcourt to Aba rail corridor, the Ministry will continue to vigorously drive the contractor Messrs CCECC towards the speedy completion and delivery of the 181 kilometres Aba-Enugu stretch," Alkali said.

“The fare for the Port-Harcourt to Aba train service has been pegged at #1000 for VIP & #800 for economy class.”

Fidet Okhiria, managing director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), stated that the locomotives and coaches utilized for the flag-off are renovated.

Okhiria stated that the contractor is expected to produce 50 narrow gauge locomotives and 100 narrow gauge coaches, which will be deployed along the country's current train tracks.

On March 2, FG announced that rail services would begin by the end of March.

However, on March 29, the debut was postponed till April.

The rail line is part of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railroad project started by former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration.