Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu Commissions Red Line Rail Project

Red Line Rail Takes Off in Lagos

The Red Line Rail service has officially begun commercial operations, following a successful...

Lagos Red Line Rail: 27km, 8 stations, 500,000 daily passengers - Nigeria's latest transportation milestone now open.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has launched the full commercial operations of the Red Rail Line service, marking a significant milestone in the state's transportation development. On the evening of Tuesday, October 15, the governor boarded the train, kicking off this new era in transportation.

The Red Rail Line has the capacity to transport 500,000 passengers daily when operating at full scale, which will greatly enhance the efficiency of commuting across Lagos, according to Sanwo-Olu. This project is part of the state's Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP), which aims to deliver an intermodal, integrated transport system.

Initially inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu on February 29, 2024, the Red Rail Line is a 37-kilometer marvel of modern engineering that stretches from Agbado in Ogun State to the iconic National Theatre in Iganmu. The line features state-of-the-art stations at Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba, and Oyingbo.

Sanwo-Olu assured that the government is committed to increasing the frequency of train services to meet growing passenger demand. To achieve this, the state has procured additional train sets, including two Spanish-manufactured Talgo trains and two GWR rolling stocks from the United Kingdom. Six more sets of rolling stock are being retrofitted for intra-state travel.

“Today marks the launch of commercial operations of the LMRT Red Line, commencing passenger services from Agbado to Oyingbo," the governor said. “We are on a mission to keep Lagos moving, and the Red Line is a key part of our vision to create a seamlessly connected city. This is also our second rail system to become operational in less than two years,” he said.

Lagos just got a whole lot more connected. The Red Line Rail service has officially begun commercial operations, following a successful trial run from September to October that met the Nigerian Railway Corporation's requirements. This milestone was celebrated with an inaugural train ride to Agbado, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was joined by key officials including Commissioner for Transportation Oluwaseun Osiyemi and LAMATA Managing Director Abimbola Akinajo.

Get Ready to Ride

To board the train, Lagos residents will need to have their Cowry Cards ready. Governor Sanwo-Olu reminded everyone that this project is a shared asset, deserving of care and respect, just like the Blue Line and other public infrastructure.

Protecting the Investment

The governor also emphasized the importance of protecting the rail infrastructure from vandalism, highlighting its significance for the public. Originally commissioned by President Bola Tinubu on February 29, 2024, the Red Line's construction began in 2021.

Red Line Rail: By the Numbers

• 27 kilometers long (first phase)
• 8 stations: Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, Iju, and Agbado
• Capacity: 500,000 passengers daily Projected to greatly enhance commuting efficiency across Lagos