On May 29, 2024, the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) system resumed operation in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Nigeria: Abuja Rail Mass Transit System Resumes Operation
Photo: CRRC

The system comprises two lines with a total length of 42.5 kilometers and 12 stations.

The official reopening ceremony was attended by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who took a 40-minute ride from the central Abuja station to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

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The president emphasized the importance of this project for improving the capital’s transportation infrastructure.

Passengers are expected to use ARMT services for free until the end of 2024, which should promote rail transport and reduce road traffic congestion.

The ARMT construction project was implemented by the Chinese company China Civil Engineering Construction (CCECC).

Passenger services began in July 2018, but the system operated on a limited scale: only three stations were opened, and three trips were made daily.

At the beginning of 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the network’s operation was suspended, and the infrastructure and trains suffered from vandalism.

The work to restart the ARMT system took nine months. It included restoring and upgrading the infrastructure, as well as building access roads to the stations.

The cost of this subproject was 21.4 billion Nigerian Naira (about 14.5 million US dollars).

Additionally, the Nigerian government paid off a debt of 30 million US dollars to CCECC, enabling the completion of the restoration and improvement work.

Currently, 12 trains, manufactured in China, are operating on the two lines.

Each train is equipped with an air conditioning system and can carry at least 700 passengers.

Modern and comfortable trains will provide residents and visitors of Abuja with a convenient and safe way to travel around the city and to the airport.

The resumption of the ARMT operation is of great importance for the region’s economy and environment.

It not only improves transportation accessibility but also reduces harmful emissions into the atmosphere by decreasing the number of car trips.

The free travel until the end of the year also encourages the use of public transportation and helps residents adapt to the new transport system.

President Bola Tinubu expressed confidence that the restored ARMT system will be an important step towards modernizing Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure and will contribute to the country’s further economic development.

Photo: CRRC

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