NRC: Port Harcourt to Aba Route to Be Ready by Year End

South-Eastern Rail Corridor Rehabilitation

The Nigeria Rail Corporation (NRC) has provided an update on the ongoing rehabilitation of the Eastern rail corridor, with promising news for the Port Harcourt to Aba section. According to Mr. Modibbo Mohammed, the District Manager of NRC’s Eastern District, this crucial railway route is set to be operational by the end of this year. Moreover, the Aba to Enugu segment of the track is expected to be ready by the first quarter of 2024.

Mr. Modibbo made these announcements during a visit to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State. The purpose of the visit was to brief the Governor on the progress of the railway track rehabilitation from Port Harcourt to Aba.

He explained that the first phase of laying new rail tracks, spanning 63 kilometers from Port Harcourt to Aba, would be completed by the year’s end. Subsequently, the second phase, which extends from Aba to Umuahia, is slated for delivery in the first quarter of 2024.

In his meeting with the Governor, Mr. Modibbo requested support in addressing the issue of rail track vandalism in certain locations within the state. He also appealed for a patrol vehicle to bolster security efforts.

Mr. Modibbo highlighted that once the railway services are fully operational, they will not only create job opportunities for the youth but also offer an alternative means of transportation for the local population. He commended Governor Otti for the substantial infrastructure development achieved during his time in office.

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In response, Governor Otti pledged full support to NRC’s efforts to revitalize train services in the Eastern region. He expressed concern about the long period of inactivity in rail transport in the area, emphasizing that rail used to be the most reliable means of transportation in Nigeria but had disappeared over the last three decades.

The Governor assured that Abia State would provide the necessary support for the corporation to function within the state’s borders. Additionally, he requested regular updates on the progress of the rail track rehabilitation.

Governor Otti also emphasized the need to engage the local communities to protect and safeguard railway installations, warning that those caught vandalizing railway tracks would face consequences.

The meeting was attended by key government officials, including the Principal Secretary to the Governor/Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu; the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday; the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, among others.

This development marks significant progress in the restoration of the Eastern rail corridor, which is expected to have a positive impact on transportation and economic activities in the region.

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