Kaduna-Kano-Maradi Rail Line: FG Targets December Train Operations

The Federal Government says train operations are expected to commence in Kaduna-Kano-Katsina by Dec. 3 as construction progresses on the Kaduna-Kano-Maradi railway project.

Prince Adetokunbo Ademola, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Transportation and Mobility, disclosed this during an inspection tour of the project in Katsina.

Ademola said significant progress had been recorded on the railway project, with construction activities advancing across the Kaduna-Kano corridor and other stations along the route.

He said the Federal Government was also working on security measures, including a surveillance and tracking system, to prevent banditry, kidnapping and vandalism along the railway corridor.

According to him, the proposed security system has received approval in principle, while the necessary documentation is being processed.

Ademola expressed optimism that the project would be commissioned in December, adding that President Tinubu was expected to perform the commissioning.

He described the railway project as part of efforts to improve transportation and mobility in the country.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mr Funsho Adebiyi, said the project had recorded significant progress since the previous inspection.

Adebiyi said the workforce had increased and working hours had been extended to meet the project deadline.

He noted that construction teams at the Kano station had adopted shift work to accelerate progress, expressing confidence that the project would meet its target.

According to him, the inspection team was about 15 kilometres from Katsina, with the artwork for the station nearing completion.

He added that the components required for the railway track had been manufactured and were ready for installation, while crushed stone materials for the track were already available at the site.

Adebiyi said a train was expected to reach the location by Dec. 3, describing the remaining distance to Katsina as relatively short.

He recalled that security challenges had prevented the inspection team from reaching the location during its previous visit, but commended security operatives for improving access to the project site.

The permanent secretary, however, stressed that the railway project extended beyond Katsina to Jibia and Maradi in the neighbouring Niger Republic.

He said security remained a major concern for the ministry, recalling that vandalism and banditry had previously disrupted train operations on the Kaduna-Abuja railway corridor.

According to him, the incidents involved the theft of sensitive equipment, which affected train operations and contributed to a collision.

Adebiyi said President Tinubu had approved the acquisition of surveillance and security equipment for deployment across the railway corridor.

He added that the Nigeria Railway Corporation had strengthened its surveillance personnel and was working to improve round-the-clock monitoring of railway infrastructure.

Adebiyi also highlighted maintenance and technology transfer as important considerations for the long-term sustainability of railway projects, saying Nigeria needed to reduce its dependence on foreign experts.

The Kaduna-Kano-Maradi railway project is expected to improve rail connectivity and facilitate the movement of passengers and goods across the region.