Port Harcourt-Aba Train Services Set To Roll In March – Federal Government Announces

Port Harcourt-Aba Train Services Set To Roll In March – Federal Government Announces

Exciting news looms on the horizon as the Federal Government unveils plans for the commencement of train services on the Port Harcourt to Aba route, slated to begin operation by the end of March.

Revealing this development, Mr. Fidet Okhiria, Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), shared insights following a delegation’s test-run of the reconstruction of the Eastern Narrow Gauge Rail Line in Port Harcourt.

Okhiria expressed optimism, noting that workers were diligently putting the finishing touches on the tracks to ensure seamless train operations within the month. He highlighted the directive from the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, to connect the Port Harcourt route to rail and initiate the linkage of the Onne Port, amplifying the scope of this transformative project.

Confident in the contractor’s ability to meet deadlines, Okhiria assured that the project’s completion and safety measures deployment were well underway, aiming for passenger train services to commence within March and full operation from Port Harcourt to Aba by month-end.

In a forward-looking approach, the project design team has also commenced plans to connect the Port Harcourt-Aba railroad line to the Onne seaport, setting the stage for enhanced connectivity and logistical efficiency.

However, Okhiria hinted at potential adjustments in transport fares due to diesel costs, emphasizing the need for sustainability in operations. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring security along the rail lines and urged communities to safeguard these vital infrastructures.

As preparations accelerate, Okhiria cautioned against encroachments on the rail lines and assured that trains would adhere to fixed schedules, signaling a new era of reliable and efficient transportation for the region.