Just In : P’Harcourt-Aba train operations to commence April

The Federal Government on Friday ordered the linking of the Port Harcourt-Aba rail line which construction has reached advanced stage of completion to the Port Harcourt and Onne Ports in Rivers State for freight operations to begin.

The Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali, disclosed this while speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Friday shortly after inspecting the Port Harcourt-Aba Railway track reconstruction.

This was as he said that the commencement of train operations within the route earlier scheduled for March 2024 would be shifted to April due to some technical issues.

Alkali stated, “Of course, they gave us March, but I’m sure while they were doing the inspection, you witnessed when I was trying to extract a commitment from the consultant and the contractor because the last time I was here, they said March, but because of some exigencies and technicalities of the work, they may extend it to April.”

While expressing dismay at the failure of the contractors to deliver the work in March as promised, he stated, “They (contractors) gave us a definite commitment that by March 6, they would be able to put Port Harcourt to Aba to use. The Port Harcourt-Aba rail line is only for passengers.

“When somebody has given you a deadline and the deadline didn’t work, of course, you will be surprised why he has failed, but if somebody promises you to deliver in March, and if for any reason he is able to deliver in April, I think it’s fine; we can manage with that.”

The minister explained that though finance was a major challenge, the Federal Government was committed to completing all rail line projects, including standard and narrow gauge across the country.

He stated, “Contract for the standard gauge was awarded by the past administration. So, when we took over, we were trying to sort out the financing. There is no way you can start a project without making all the arrangements. So, as soon as the funds are ready, we are going to start.

“Government is serious and committed to completing all the projects in the country. We have just finished the inspection of the Port Harcourt-Aba rail line and trying to start the operation in April.

“I have directed the contractor to link Port Harcourt rail to Port Harcourt Port and to Onne Port for freight operations to start.”