The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) on Friday revealed that the track access between Abuja and Kaduna is now restored following last month’s attack on the railway by bandits.
The Managing Director of the Corporation, Mr Fidet Okhiria, confirmed the development in a statement issued by Director Operations of the NRC, Mr Niyi Alli, yesterday in Lagos.
Okhiria explained that the south end of the tracks, destroyed by explosion, has been successfully joined with the north end.
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He said: “In our concerted efforts at restoring the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) tracks corridor for resumption of service, please note the latest updates as follow:
“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.”
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),Okhiria said the technical team would continue with other track stablisation works including Ballasting, Temping, Fastening of accessories (clips, bolts and nuts) and Welding.
He reminded that the 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.
The MD added this has been taken to the workshop for proper examination and routine maintenance.
Okhiria said as had been mentioned in earlier releases, the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) would resume soon with additional security measures put in place.
He reminded that passengers would be required to provide their NIN registration for verification prior to purchasing train tickets, adding that this was for improved passenger profiling and safety on board.