Port Harcourt-Aba Railway Re-Opened To Passengers

The federal government has reopened the Port Harcourt-Aba railway after completing its repair as part of the ongoing 1443km Port Harcourt-Maiduguri narrow gauge rail project.

The railway is apparently part of the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to facilitate trade, improve transportation and accessibility, and ensure connectivity between the country’s southern and northeastern regions.

Sen. Said Alkali, Minister of Transportation, announced on Tuesday that his ministry was in talks with an investor about upgrading locomotives from diesel to CNG to reduce transportation costs even further.

Alkali also took a train ride from Port Harcourt to Aba, claiming it marked the start of passenger train operations along the line. To encourage business, the corridor will connect Enugu to the ports of Onne and Port Harcourt.

He said; “We give God the glory that we are here to commission the train service from Port Harcourt to Aba.

“And to thank the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and commitment to the Ministry of Transportation out of his desire to bring succour to the people of this great country.

“The Eastern narrow gauge covers five geopolitical zones of the country. It covers South South, South East, North Central, North West and North East.

“So, it means a lot to the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am happy that today one segment is being put to use, and this is the first presence of the Railway Corporation in the South-South.

“So, we are prepared, we are going to ride on the train from Port Harcourt to Aba, and from today, the passenger train will commence.

“By the grace of God Almighty, from Aba, we are going to proceed to Enugu, and from Port Harcourt to Onne Port and Port Harcourt Port so that we will be able to put freight service in the haulage.

“The ministry is considering a lot of things, as we speak, we have engaged an investor on retrofitting our locomotive from diesel to CNG to further bring down the cost of transportation.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli