Abuja Metro Rail Transports Over 250,000 Passengers in 100 Days – Official
The Abuja Rail Mass Transit, popularly known as the Metro Rail, has successfully transported over 250,000 passengers in its first 100 days of operation, according to an official from the China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC). The rail system, which commenced commercial services on May 29, 2024, after being commissioned by President Bola Tinubu, has been hailed as a critical transportation solution for the nation’s capital.
The announcement was made on Friday via the X handle of John Zhao, a CCECC official, who detailed the milestones the system has achieved within a short period of time. Zhao emphasized the positive impact the rail network has had on traffic decongestion in Abuja, particularly along key routes that connect the city center to major hubs such as the international airport and Kubwa satellite town.
“Phase I of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit by #CCECC has been operating safely for over 100 days! Consisting of two lines with a total length of 45 km and 12 stations, the maximum operating speed of the trains can reach 100km/h,” Zhao wrote. “During its operation, over 250,000 passengers have already been served, significantly reducing traffic congestion in the capital.”
The rail network has been operating with two lines, covering a total distance of 45 kilometers across 12 stations. Its high-speed trains, reaching up to 100 km/h, have provided efficient transit options for residents and visitors alike. The rail lines link critical locations such as the city center, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, and Kubwa, a densely populated satellite town.
This development comes as a major boost to Abuja’s transportation infrastructure, with the government supporting increased accessibility. President Bola Tinubu recently approved an extension of free train rides for the next six months, following an earlier announcement by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, who initiated two months of free rides to encourage public use of the metro.
As the service continues to grow in popularity, city officials and CCECC engineers are hopeful that it will play an even larger role in easing the capital’s heavy traffic and providing a reliable public transit option for the city’s residents.
The Abuja Metro Rail project is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to develop and modernize its urban transit infrastructure, and its success may set the stage for future expansions across the country.
