NRC Suspends Weekend Train Service In Lagos Over Standard Gauge
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended Weekend train
service in Lagos in its bid to ensure speedy completion of the Lagos
to Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway line.
The Lagos District Manager of the Corporation Engineer Jerry Oche who
revealed this in Lagos in a chat with Newsmen said Ajuba Depot at
Ebute Metta Junction has been designated for carriage of consignment
for the Standard gauge project while the EBJ depot and Ijoko have been
designated for cargoes destined for Lagos and outside Lagos
respectively.
Meanwhile, passenger traffic on the Lagos Mass Transit Train (LMTT)
and Diesel Multiple unit (DMU) from Iddo/Apapa to Ijoko/Kajola from
January to December, 2017 stood at 1.664, 522 Million and 187,736
passengers respectively.
Available statistics obtained from the Public Relations Department,
Lagos District of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) 20,847 passengers
were carried on the Lagos to Kano express train from January to
December last year.
Commenting on the development, Lagos District Manager (RDM) of
Nigerian Railway Corporation, Engr. Jerry Oche said that the
Corporation has continued to refurbish more coaches in order to meet
increasing demand for passenger service.
According to him, the number of passengers that enter the Lagos Mass
Transit Train daily cannot either be controlled or regulated because
the railway stations are not enclosed.
He explained further, that some passengers take advantage of this to
enter the train when it is even on motion.
Oche pointed out that the Corporation has continued to enlighten
passengers on the danger of overcrowding the Coaches, hanging on the
doors of Coaches and climbing roof top of Coaches.
He said periodic raids are organized in collaboration with Railway
Police adding that on several occasions some train roof top climbers
were arrested and prosecuted with option of N50,000 fine per
passenger.
Regarding the train accident involving a truck loaded with cows that
collided with a moving train at Iju leading to death of some
passengers and several other injured, he said the truck encroached on
their right of way.