Port Harcourt-Aba train service kicks off with free ride

The Federal Government on Tuesday inaugurated the 62-kilometre (km) train operation on the Port Harcourt-Aba train service for use by members of the public and also declared a 4-day free ride from May 1-4, to encourage the usage of the train service.

In a statement by the federal ministry of transportation the minister of transportation Saidu Alkali, said transportation is one of the eight key priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, hence, his focus on the eastern rail corridor project since taking office.

Alkali said the commencement of the train service is part of the intensified drive by FG to facilitate trade, enhance mobility, and accessibility, as well as ensure connectivity between regions.

“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.”

The managing director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) Fidet Okhiria, said the locomotives and coaches used for the flag-off are refurbished ones.

Okhiria said the contractor is expected to deliver 50 narrow gauge locomotives and 100 narrow gauge coaches to be deployed along existing train corridors in the country.

(FRCN)