Africa’s first China-assisted railway launched

Nigeria has launched Africa’s first China-assisted railway modernization project.The standard gauge railway project which measures 186.5km was officially inaugurated by president Mr Muhammadu Buhari.

Also at the event Nigeria’s transport minister Mr Rotimi Amaechi and Mr Freeborn Edetanlaen Okhiria, acting managing director of Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC).

According to Buhari the completion of the project is a clear indication that the country is on the right direction in terms of infrastructure and called upon Great Corporation between China and Nigeria to deliver more and more projects.

The line that was launched starts at Idu; around 20km west of Abuja city centre, and roughly follows the route of the Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria Expressway, serving 10 intermediate stations.

The project saw a construction of Services that will operate at up to 100km/h with a journey time of around two hours for the fastest trains between Idu and Kaduna.

Ultra-modern railway line

The trains that will be used in the rail are modern compared to the one that was constructed in Nigeria during the colonial periods.

Currently the rail is under the management of Nigeria Railway Corporation and  operates a mixture of stopping and express services and each train is formed of four air-conditioned coaches, including a bar/cafe car.

The line was built by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation under a $US 870m contract awarded in 2009.

At the opening ceremony Buhari said that his government is looking at ensuring that they implement other projects that will see the transport sector of Nigeria streamline.

“No doubt in the next financial year we will have to increase the budget to the ministry on transport so that we can have good transport system in the region” he added

The president said that they are looking forward to have a well established transport system in every state of Nigeria. Infrastructure in Africa has long been seen as a key deterrent to economic growth.