By Ariwodo praise izuchukwu
Phase 1 of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit, otherwise called the Metro Rail, which began commercial operations on May 29, 2024, following its commissioning by President Bola Tinubu, has transported over 250,000 passengers in over 100 days of operations.
An Official of the China Civil Engineering and Construction Company, John Zhao, who constructed the first phase of the rail lines and operates the system, made this known on his X handle on Friday.
Recall that President Tinubu approved the extension of free train rides on the Abuja Rail Mass Transit, otherwise called the Metro Rail, for the next six months until the end of the year, following a previous announcement by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, granting willing commuters on the metro rail two months free ride.
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According to the CCECC official, the rail system, consisting of two lines, has operated safely since beginning commercial operations, covering a total length of 45km, across 12 stations, and reaching a maximum speed of 100km/h.
He noted that the rail line connected the city centre, the international airport, and Kubwa satellite town, significantly reducing traffic congestion in the city.
“The Phase I of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit by #CCECC has been operating safely for over 100 days! Consisting of 2 lines with a total length of 45 km and 12 stations, the maximum operating speed of the trains can reach 100km/h.
“It connects Abuja city centre, the international airport, the rail line, and Kubwa satellite town. During its operation, over 250,000 passengers have already been served, significantly reducing traffic congestion in the capital. Take a look”, the post read.
Meanwhile, The president emphasized the importance of this project for improving the capital’s transportation infrastructure.
Passengers are expected to use ARMT services for free until the end of 2024, which should promote rail transport and reduce road traffic congestion.
The ARMT construction project was implemented by the Chinese company China Civil Engineering Construction (CCECC).
Passenger services began in July 2018, but the system operated on a limited scale: only three stations were opened, and three trips were made daily.
At the beginning of 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the network’s operation was suspended, and the infrastructure and trains suffered from vandalism.
The work to restart the ARMT system took nine months. It included restoring and upgrading the infrastructure, as well as building access roads to the stations.
The cost of this subproject was 21.4 billion Nigerian Naira (about 14.5 million US dollars).
Additionally, the Nigerian government paid off a debt of 30 million US dollars to CCECC, enabling the completion of the restoration and improvement work.
Currently, 12 trains, manufactured in China, are operating on the two lines.
Each train is equipped with an air conditioning system and can carry at least 700 passengers.
Modern and comfortable trains will provide residents and visitors of Abuja with a convenient and safe way to travel around the city and to the airport.
The resumption of the ARMT operation is of great importance for the region’s economy and environment.
It not only improves transportation accessibility but also reduces harmful emissions into the atmosphere by decreasing the number of car trips.
The free travel until the end of the year also encourages the use of public transportation and helps residents adapt to the new transport system.
President Bola Tinubu expressed confidence that the restored ARMT system will be an important step towards modernizing Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure and will contribute to the country’s further economic development.
