Abuja-Kaduna train service set to return next week – NRC
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that passenger train services on the Abuja-Kaduna line are expected to resume next week, after a one-month suspension arising from a derailment incident.
Operations were halted on 26 August when a train derailed between Kubwa and Asham, forcing the NRC to suspend services along the corridor pending repairs.
In a statement signed by the NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the corporation said it had completed repair works and safety checks on the damaged section of track at Asham.
READ ALSO: Anxiety on the Rails: Abuja–Kaduna train journey in fear
“The Nigerian Railway Corporation is pleased to announce that the Abuja-Kaduna passenger train service is set to resume operations next week, following the successful completion of repair and safety checks on the affected section of track at Asham,” the statement read.
Unyimadu added that the NRC had worked “tirelessly to ensure both the infrastructure and rolling stock are restored to the highest safety standards in line with global best practices.”
As part of its passenger welfare measures, the NRC said it had refunded 512 out of the 583 passengers who were on that train. Efforts are ongoing to reach and refund the remainder.
The corporation thanked the Federal Ministry of Transportation, security agencies, the media, and other stakeholders for their support during the suspension period.
READ ALSO: I take full responsibility for Abuja-Kaduna train accident – NRC MD
Unyimadu reassured the public that safety, comfort and satisfaction remain top priorities for the NRC. More details about the resumption date and train schedules will be shared soon.
The derailment reportedly stemmed from a faulty track switch and poor maintenance practices. Preliminary findings also pointed to damaged sleepers patched rather than properly repaired.
The investigation further revealed that railway personnel had received only initial training, with little in the way of refresher courses, which may have contributed to safety lapses.
In addition, some maintenance tools and spare parts from original equipment manufacturers were said to have been inaccessible at the time of the incident.
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