Abuja-Kaduna rail services resume, five weeks after train derailed

The Abuja-Kaduna train derailment is the second to occur at the same station within 13 months. Photo credit: NSIB

Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) says it has resumed passenger train services on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor.

The corporation, on Wednesday, said that all necessary checks had been concluded on the train.

“This step underscores the Corporation’s commitment to ensuring smooth, reliable, and secure train services for the traveling public,” it added.

The NRC says the resumption underscores its commitment to ensuring smooth, reliable, and secure train services for the traveling public.

It also detailed available services.

Time Table for Abuja-Kaduna Train Service:

Abuja – Kaduna IDU: 8:45

Kubwa: 9:05

Rigassa: 12:42 (Arrive)

Kaduna – Abuja

RIgassa: 14:30

Kubwa: 18:02

IDU: 18:23 (Arrive)

The NRC also said Wednesdays had been scheduled as maintenance for the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service.

“The NRC appreciates the patience and understanding of all Nigerians, especially train passengers during the period of the suspension, and reaffirms its commitment to providing safe, reliable, affordable, efficient, secure, and more customer-friendly train transportation alternatives across the country.

“The corporation deeply appreciates the patience, cooperation, and understanding of passengers during the suspension period. We remain steadfast in our mission to deliver safe, affordable, and efficient rail transportation that supports national connectivity and economic growth,” it stated.

The NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, had earlier said commercial service would recommence following the successful completion of all required safety, technical, and operational checks.

The development followed the train’s derailment on August 26, the second to occur at the same station within 13 months.

The incident happened shortly after a manually operated switch point that had been previously declared unserviceable was passed.

An investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) revealed that the train derailment was triggered by defective infrastructure and lapses in safety management by the NRC.