By Ismail Auwal
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the completion of repairs to the Abuja-Kaduna rail track 37 days after it was bombed by terrorists.
The Abuja-Kaduna train service would reportedly resume soon with additional security measures put in place.
When the trains resume, passengers will be required to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) registration for verification before purchasing train tickets, according to the NRC.
According to the NRC the measure is for better passenger profiling and on-board safety.
Engr Niyi Ali, speaking on behalf of the corporation’s Managing Director, Engr Fidet Okhiria, disclosed this in a statement issued by the NRC on Thursday.
“This implies that the major track components (concrete sleepers and rails) have been completely laid. The south end of the tracks (which was destroyed by the explosion) has been successfully joined with the north end. Track access between Abuja and Kaduna is now restored,” the statement noted.
The corporation said the technical team continued with other track stabilization works, including ballasting, temping, fastening of accessories (clips, bolts, and nuts), and welding.
“Loco 2502 which was involved in the accident (though not damaged) and trapped at the Rigasa end due to lack of route access has now crossed to the Idu end and taken to the workshop for proper examination and routine maintenance, “ the statement added.
On March 28 terrorists attacked the AK9 Abuja-Kaduna train, killing at least nine people, injuring several others, and abducting many others.
