•Train
After over two months of the suspension of the Warri-Itakpe Train Service, all is set for resumption of operations tomorrow.
The non-functioning condition of the train service forced an estimated number of 1,000 passengers who board the train daily to seek alternative means of transportation, reports The Nation.
Each regular coach has 88 seats while the business class coach has 56 seats. Several passengers stand aboard the train ride, hence the estimated number.
The development also paralysed small businesses around the Ujevwu Station as well as reduced the influx of vehicular activities, mostly commercial, in the area.
The resumption comes three weeks after the Pan Niger Delta Forum called on the Federal Government to fix the Ujevwu-Itakpe rail line.
Our correspondent visited the Ujevwu Station take off point in Udu council area of Delta state, Tuesday, and observed some workers preparing for the resumption.
Operations will commence with seven coaches, comprising six standard class and one business class.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, in a statement apologising for the inconveniences experienced during the period of suspension, assured train users and stakeholders of “renewed commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services.”
The statement signed by the NRC Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, Saturday, announced the resumption, stating that the “temporary suspension was necessary to carry out critical repairs, maintenance, and system checks on the track and rolling stock to ensure the comfort, reliability and safety of passengers.”
One of the workers, who explained that the major resumption activities were more visible at the main station in Agbor (Owa Oyibu), Ika North, said: “We have always been here, it was just the train service that stopped. But we are fully ready to resume and receive passengers from tomorrow.”
The staff disclosed that tickets were no longer sold at the stations but booked on the service portal which opened since Monday, ahead of the resumption.
Though the train was not present at the time of the visit, it was learnt that it would arrive tonight.
While some women were seen sweeping the front of the station at the time of the visit, petty traders were setting up their trade stands and displaying their goods around the entrance of the station.
Efforts to get comments of the Public Relations Officer at the Agbor Main Station proved futile as of press time.
