ADA NKONG
The Federal government says it is in talks with A PRIVATE investor to construct a BUS TERMINAL that will link passengers on the Itakpe-Warri rail to THE ABUJA-OKENE- LOKOJA road.
Speaking after an inspection tour and steering committee meeting of the Lagos Ibadan rail, the Minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi expresses optimism that by December2019, cargo will be moved from Apapa seaport by rail to decongest the port.
The Lagos Ibadan rail project currently under construction is a very crucial project to the Nigerian economy and the seaport at Apapa. This is because for years, the traffic gridlock emanating from the Apapa axis of the port is better imagined than experienced.
To this end, the Federal government has been pushing the CCECC handling the project to complete it in less than the three years earmarked originally for the counterpart funded project.
Inspecting the work from Abeokuta axis which has already been completed except for the stations, to Ibadan axis, the minister complained about the slow pace of work between kilometers121 to 157 which the Chinese company attributed to underground water, man power and lack of adequate equipment. He however expressed satisfaction with the tracks laid up to kilometer 94.
Commenting on the upsurge of passengers on the Abuja Kaduna rail which is a result of the rising kidnap cases on the road, the minister said two coaches will be deployed from itakpe to save the situation. He also hinted that by month end, he will inspect coaches in china for purchase to be used on the Lagos Ibadan rail.
To increase appeal and convenience of the Itakpe warri rail line, Rotimi Amaechi said plans are on to completely link the line to Abuja by rail but in the interim, an investor is interested in building a motor park that will convey passengers on the rail line to and from ABUJA
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