Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), revealed that train services along the Port Harcourt to Aba route are set to commence by the end of March.
Okhiria made this announcement following a delegation’s test-run of the reconstructed Eastern Narrow Gauge Rail line, stating that workers are adding final touches to the tracks to ensure full train operations can begin within the month.
Impressed with the progress, Okhiria commended the efforts to repair the railway infrastructure. He mentioned that the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, directed the connection of the Port Harcourt route to the rail and the initiation of the linkage to Onne Port.
Okhiria expressed confidence in the contractor completing the necessary adjustments to the railroad in the next two weeks, paving the way for the targeted resumption of train services within three weeks.
He mentioned plans to introduce semi-automatic signaling for machine points to enhance safety and facilitate passenger train services starting in March, with full operations from Port Harcourt to Aba expected by the end of March.
Furthermore, Okhiria revealed ongoing collaboration with the port’s terminal manager and engineers to design a rail track connecting the Port Harcourt-Aba line to the Onne sea port. He assured that the project design team is working on approvals and project commencement.
Acknowledging the impact of high diesel costs on transport fares, Okhiria explained that NRC may need to adjust fares, aiming to cover at least 50% of fuel costs from passengers.
He emphasized the corporation’s commitment to working with security agencies to ensure the safety of the rail line, urging communities to protect the infrastructure for the well-being of train travelers.
