Bello Alhassan, Kaduna
DAILY COURIER - The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has increased peak-period train services on the popular Abuja-Kaduna route, responding to a surge in passenger demand. Effective between Fridays and Mondays, the NRC has expanded its train schedule from four to six daily services, aiming to accommodate more travelers on the route.
The announcement, made by NRC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Yakub Mahmood, emphasized NRC's commitment to customer satisfaction and its focus on addressing ticket racketeering, a persistent issue impacting train users. The new schedule reflects NRC’s dedication to providing a safe, reliable, and comfortable travel experience for passengers who increasingly prefer train services for intercity journeys.
Ben Iloanusi, NRC’s Acting Managing Director, revealed that the decision follows a comprehensive five-month analysis indicating a 22% increase in new passenger registrations for the Abuja-Kaduna route. The rising interest highlights a growing preference among Nigerians for train travel as a dependable alternative to road transportation, especially on routes with high demand like Abuja-Kaduna.
“NRC has observed similar trends on the Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe, and Port Harcourt-Aba routes, and efforts are already underway to increase services along these routes as well,” Iloanusi stated. His comments point to NRC’s larger plan to expand train services across Nigeria, with the goal of better meeting the transportation needs of citizens nationwide.
To streamline access to the new services and reduce incidents of ticket scalping, Iloanusi encouraged passengers to use NRC’s online ticketing platform. This approach is aimed at simplifying ticket purchases while limiting opportunities for third-party vendors to engage in unauthorized ticket sales. “To ensure smooth operations, NRC senior management will maintain a stronger presence across all routes, focusing on eliminating ticket scalping. Passengers are encouraged to book tickets directly through NRC’s online platforms, avoiding unofficial vendors,” he added.
The NRC’s expansion on the Abuja-Kaduna line represents a significant step in improving transportation infrastructure, as increased train services have the potential to reduce travel congestion, provide safer travel options, and boost economic activity. The expansion of services on other major routes like Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe, and Port Harcourt-Aba is anticipated to further enhance connectivity within Nigeria, offering more citizens a reliable travel option in response to growing demand.
This move by NRC comes at a time when public interest in train travel is on the rise, driven by security concerns on some roadways and a desire for greater comfort and convenience. By adapting to this demand, the NRC aims to make railway transport a top choice for both daily commuters and long-distance travelers across the nation.
