In Nigeria FG to alleviate traffic by completing Abuja – Kaduna railway line in 2016

Mr Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the minister of transportation, has revealed the Federal Government’s plan to reduce traffic by completing Abuja – Kaduna railway line in 2016.

According to the minister, this would encourage the transportation of passengers and goods across Nigeria.

He added that the construction of new rail lines and rehabilitation of old railway lines will relieve the stress on Nigerian roads, while creating over 250, 000 jobs.

“The immediate impact will be the reduction of haulage of heavy cargo by road for increased life span”.

READ: Readers say Rotimi Amaechi will make a good minister for transportation

Two weeks ago, Amaechi also revealed plans to create seven new railway corridors.

"Under the rail modernisation programme, government will open new railway lines to achieve an efficient rail network.

"The Ministry of Transportation has carried out feasibility studies to create seven additional rail corridors of standard gauge railways under the public-private-partnership initiative."

READ: Readers say a modern railway would solve traffic issues in Lagos state

This announcement came after he expressed disbelief and ignorance over the existence of railways in Nigeria.

"I didn’t even know, until I started this tour, I never knew that the railway was functioning, it was even from his (MD’s) speech that I learnt that there are some coaches or services that go to Kano or Port Harcourt or elsewhere.”