President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the Red Line Rail Project in Lagos. The project, an intra-state rail service aimed at improving transportation within the city, spans 37 kilometers.
The Red Line Rail Project in Lagos, Nigeria, represents a significant infrastructure development aimed at improving transportation within the city.
Below are things to know about the Red Line Rail:
1. The Red Line is a 37km rail route proposed to run from Agbado to Marina with 13 stations at Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, MMIA International, (domestic), Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba, Ebute Metta, Iddo, Ebute Ero, and Marina.
2. It is the second mass transportation system in Lagos, after the 27km Blue Line that is already in operation, designed to run from Okokomiko to Marina
3. The Red Line proposed as Public Private Partnership (PPP) is one of the six rail lines and one metro line designed to revolutionise public transportation system in Nigeria’s economic hub.
4. The six rail lines are encapsulated in the state’s transportation master plan, developed by Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
5. To ensure the smooth operation of the rail line and safety for commuters, significant infrastructure has been developed. This includes the construction of 10 vehicular overpasses and pedestrian bridges, separating train traffic from vehicular and pedestrian flows.
6. Once operational, it is expected to facilitate 37 trips daily, accommodating approximately 500,000 passengers.
7. The primary objectives include reducing travel time, mitigating health issues related to stress, and enhancing economic productivity.
8. The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion, minimise road accidents, and improve commuter safety within Lagos.
9. Unlike the electric-powered Blue Line, the Red Line will utilise a diesel-powered system known as Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU). DMU employs on-board diesel engines to propel multiple-unit trains. This choice of transmission aligns with the project’s objectives and operational requirements.
10. The Red Line Rail Project represents a significant milestone in Lagos’ transportation infrastructure development.
11. Initial estimates pegged the cost at $135 million, however, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu revealed that both the Blue and Red Lines combined would exceed ₦100 billion.