Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has completed the repairs of the Abuja-Kaduna rail track bombed by bandits on March 28th, 2022.
Gatekeepers News reports that the NRC confirmed the development in a statement signed by Niyi Ali on behalf of its Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria.
The Abuja-Kaduna train service would resume soon with additional security measures put in place, according to the NRC.
The Corporation also stated that passengers will be required to provide their national identification number (NIN) registration for verification prior to purchasing train tickets, when the train service resumes.
The NRC explained that the requirement is for improved passenger profiling and safety on board.
“In our concerted efforts at restoring the AKTS tracks corridor for resumption of service soonest, please note the latest updates: the connection of the AKTS line has been achieved,” the statement reads.
“This implies that the major track components (concrete sleepers and rails) have been completely laid. The south end of the tracks (which was destroyed by the explosion) has been successfully joined with the north end.
“Track access between Abuja and Kaduna is now restored. The technical team continue with other track stabilisation works including ballasting, temping, fastening of accessories (clips, bolts and nuts) and welding.”
The corporation said that Loco 2502 which was involved in the accident (though not damaged) and trapped at the Rigasa end due to lack of route access had now crossed to the Idu end and taken to the workshop for proper examination and routine maintenance.
It added that it would continue to collaborate with security agencies to ensure all persons being held are rescued unhurt and reunited with their families.
