First phase of Abuja rail project to be commissioned

Phase one of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit Project is expected to be commissioned by December 2017. The 45 kilometre rail line has 12 established stations and will link the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the Central Business District in Abuja.

The project will cost an estimated $823 million and is expected to boost economic activities and generate employment in the country’s capital. Trains are designed to accommodate people with physical disabilities to make use of the facility.

The first test-run of the new train commenced in November 2017. The rail, bridges, pedestrian overpasses, culverts and flyovers are already completed. The rail line will reduce vehicular traffic in the area and will fast-track the movement of people along the western corridor of the city.