The Nigerian Railway Corporation has announced plans to expand its passenger capacity on the Port Harcourt-Aba corridor to accommodate the anticipated surge in travelers during the Christmas season.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the South-East Zonal Public Relations Officer, Onyedikachi Onovo disclosed the development.
Onovo disclosed that the corporation is refurbishing additional vehicles to address the current overcrowding on trains. “Two vehicles and a baggage van have already arrived in Aba and are undergoing rehabilitation,” he said.
“These will be attached to trains as soon as the refurbishment is completed. Our goal is to get ahead of the usual Christmas rush.”
Currently, the Port Harcourt-Aba route accommodates between 500 and 900 passengers per trip. However, the NRC aims to increase this capacity significantly. “With these additional vehicles, we’ll be able to convey about 1,000 passengers per trip. Our target is to transport at least 2,000 passengers daily,” Onovo explained.
The corporation’s efforts to meet the holiday demand are part of a broader plan to enhance rail services in the region. Onovo added that the Ministry of Transportation has assured that work on the Aba-Umuahia railway track would soon be completed.
