Ola Akinwunmi
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has intensified efforts to increase passenger capacity on the Aba-Port Harcourt rail corridor as the festive season approaches. To achieve this, the corporation is refurbishing additional vehicles to reduce overcrowding on trains.
According to Mr. Onyedikachi Onovo, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NRC South East Zone, two vehicles were transported from Enugu to Aba to augment the existing fleet. Onovo explained that the vehicles underwent rehabilitation at Aba station to enable them to convey more passengers.
The NRC aims to increase passenger capacity from 500-900 per trip to over 1,000 passengers per trip. With the additional vehicles, the Port Harcourt to Aba train is expected to convey over 2,000 passengers daily.
“What you saw was two vehicles and a baggage van that left Enugu on Sunday and arrived in Aba early Monday morning and Tuesday night.
The reason is that we want to reduce the overcrowding on our trains”, Onovo said.
Onovo said that once the rehabilitations are completed, the vehicles will be attached to the trains to start lifting passengers.
“We are trying to beat the Christmas rush which would begin in a few days. Currently, the Port Harcourt to Aba train takes between 500 and 900 passengers per trip.
“But with these additional vehicles, we will be able to convey over 1000 passengers per trip”, he said
Onovo said that with the ongoing improvement, the Port Harcourt to Aba train should be able to convey over 2000 passengers daily.
Onovo assured that the Aba-Umuahia track will be completed soon, pending the resolution of funding issues. The NRC’s efforts to enhance passenger capacity and comfort are expected to ease travel during the upcoming festive season.
