On Tuesday, the Federal Government officially inaugurated commercial train services along the Port Harcourt-Aba rail line, marking a significant milestone for public transportation.
The launch, presided over by Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, took place at the Railway Station in Port Harcourt. This event follows two previous postponements of the commencement of train operations on this route.
Senator Alkali emphasized that the initiative is part of the government’s concerted efforts to bolster trade, improve mobility, and foster connectivity between regions of the country.
The rehabilitation project, awarded to Messrs China Civil Engineering and Construction Company, includes the modernization of existing narrow gauge railway lines, construction of modern stations, and acquisition of new rolling stock.
With this railway line linking the ports of Onne, Bonny, and Port Harcourt, the government aims to facilitate the efficient transportation of goods and freight through the Eastern Corridor.
The Federal Government is responsible for providing 15% of the direct construction cost, including land acquisition and value-added tax, while the remaining 85% is covered by a bank loan.
The commencement of operations along the Port Harcourt-Aba corridor is expected to stimulate economic activities between the South-South and South-East regions, pending the completion of other sections of the project.
The Ministry is committed to ensuring the swift completion of the Aba-Enugu stretch, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Presidential Priority Areas focused on enhancing infrastructure and transportation.
Following the inauguration, Minister Alkali and his entourage, along with members of the public, embarked on a train ride to Aba, Abia State, marking the symbolic start of commercial operations on this vital rail route.