Buhari Commissions Abuja-Kaduna Rail for Commercial Service

…Promises to link states, cities with rail system

By Dele Ogbodo in Abuja

The President Muhamamadu Buhari on Tuesday commissioned the Abuja-Kaduna standard rail gauge constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), at Idu rail station in Abuja.

Before embarking on a ride to the Jere station a few kilometres to Kaduna, he promised to implement the country’s rail master plan which is expected to connect major cities and towns across the country with rail lines.

He said his administration is committed to ensuring that work on the Kano to Lagos rail project which is part of the master plan will  be sustained.

With the flag-off, he assured of safe and fast transportation of the country’s rich agricultural produce from the North through Abuja to the Southern part of the country.

In an earlier remark, the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, said the commencement of the rail service  between Abuja and Kaduna will no doubt impact on the economic development of the region, adding that very soon the entire nation will be linked with rail system.

He commended President Buhari, Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, for their quick response in releases of fund for the completion of the project which started in 2009.

The President of the Senate, Mr. Bukola Saraki, the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru El Rufai, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Mohammed Bello, commended the effort of the government in ensuring the completion a year on assumption of duty.

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