Abuja-Kaduna rail reaches 100% per cent completion

The Abuja-Kaduna Standard Rail Gauge project has been completed and will soon become operational, according to the Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar.

Umar announced this in Rigasa, Kaduna State, at a ceremony to mark the completion of the laying of the tracks for the project.

 Vice President Namadi Sambo inaugurated the track-laying at Idu, Abuja, in July 2013.

In June, 2014, the Ministry of Transport also marked the attainment of 100 km of track-laying for the project in Doko, Kaduna State.

Umar said the track-laying of the rail mordernisation project was 100 per cent completed, adding however, that what was left was the electrical and communication work.

“Today, we have achieved 100 per cent track-laying of the Abuja-Kaduna Standard Rail Gauge of 186 km. What is left is the electrical and communication work which will be fully completed in a couple of weeks.’’

He said the project was completed against all odds, even when funding had been a major constraint in its construction.

The minister commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his transformation agenda which captured the rail projects across the country.

Umar also commended the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) handling the project for its expertise.

He said the ministry was working assiduously towards the implementation of the country’s 25-year strategic vision for railway development.

“Under the strategic vision it is planned that every state will be covered by rail, including major economic corridors and zones,’’ the Minister said.

He pledged the ministry’s determination to partner with private sector and prospective investors to achieve the development of other railway corridors in the country.

The minister said the signing of the completion agreement for the construction of the Lagos to Calabar rail line that would cut across 10 states would hold in China.

The Federal Government recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of a new railway line from Lagos to Calabar, which would extend to the Obudu Cattle Ranch Resort.

The Project Manager, CCECC, Mr James Li, said the Chinese Government would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government to establish projects which would enhance the economy.

James said the company had also signed an agreement with the Federal Government to construct the Lagos-Abuja high speed rail of 615 km.

He said the project, when completed, would allow commuters from Abuja to Lagos reach their destinations in two hours.

(NAN)