We’ve completed repair of bombed rail track, Kaduna train services will commence soon – FG

The Federal Government said it has finalized the repair of the destroyed track on the Abuja-Kaduna rail line.

Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Engr. Fidet Okhiria, Thursday, made this public via a statement.

The statement, which Engr. Niyi Ali signed on his behalf, partly reads, “The connection of the AKTS line has been achieved. This implies that the major track components (Concrete Sleepers and Rails) have been completely laid. The south end of the tracks (which was destroyed by the explosion) has been successfully joined with the north end. Track access between Abuja and Kaduna is now restored.

“The Technical Team continue with other track stablization works including Ballasting, Temping, Fastening of accessories (clips, bolts and nuts) and Welding.”

He also noted that “loco 2502 which was involved in the accident (though not damaged) and trapped at the Rigasa end due to lack of route access has now crossed to the Idu end and taken to the Workshop for proper examination and routine maintenance.”

He claimed that “the Abuja – Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) will resume soon with additional security measures put in place.”

He added that the moment the trains start operations, “passengers will be required to provide their NIN registration for verification prior to purchasing train tickets. This is for improved Passenger profiling and safety on-board.

Recall that most of the abducted passengers during the incident that occurred, March 28, 2022, are still in kidnappers’ den.

At least nine persons had been killed by the terrorists and over 60 of the passengers got kidnapped, including children and elderly persons.