Abuja Light Rail

Abuja Rail Mass Transit
Overview
LocaleFederal Capital Territory
Transit typeRegional rail
Number of lines1 (service suspended)
Line numberYellow line
Number of stations12 (3 previously operational)
Operation
Began operation2018
Technical
System length42.5 km (26.4 mi)
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
System map

Abuja Rail Mass Transit commonly known as Abuja Light Rail is an abandoned regional rail transport system in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. It was the first rapid transit system in the country, West Africa, and the second such system in sub-saharan Africa (after Addis Ababa Light Rail). The first phase of the project connects the city center to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, stopping at the Abuja-Kaduna Railway station in Idu. The Abuja Metro Line was launched on 12 July 2018[1][2] and a three-trains-per-day service opened for passengers the following week.[3] Passenger services on the line were suspended in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and had still not resumed as of September 2023.[4]

History

A regional rail system serving Abuja had begun planning in 1997 but was delayed due to funding issues. CCECC Nigeria was awarded a contract for the construction of the first two phases, known as Lots 1 and 3, in May 2007.[5]

The 42.5 km (26.4 mi) first phase has two lines and 12 stations opened in July 2018, connecting Abuja city centre with the international airport via the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway at Idu. The projected cost of the entire proposed 290 km (180 mi) network, to be developed in six phases, was US$824 million, constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, with 60% of the cost funded by loans from the Exim Bank of China.[6] In fact, $840 million was spent on Lot 1 and 3, while $500 million was financed by a 2.5% p.a. loan from an Exim Bank of China. Repayment of the loan commenced in March 2020.[7]

In early 2020, passenger service on the line was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and as of 2022 had not resumed.[8]

The service is promised[by whom?] to restart in 2024.[9]

Operations

Idu Station Terminal outside
Idu Station route
Idu Station platform

Upon opening in 2018, only the section between Abuja Metro Station and the Airport was operational, with an intermediate station at Idu. The remaining nine stations were originally scheduled to begin operations in 2020.

The rolling stock used for this line initially consisted of only three diesel rail coaches. A further three were scheduled to be delivered in mid-2020.[10]

From the opening, the rail line operated on a significantly reduced timetable in comparison to other worldwide light rail systems; with three daily departures from Idu to Abuja Metro Station, with two running the full length to the airport, on weekdays only.[11] The delivery of further rolling stock was anticipated to provide services every thirty minutes.

Network

The first part of the network was commissioned on July 12, 2018, and three stations opened in this first phase.[12]

Yellow line

The Yellow line travels from Abuja's Central Business District to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Stations Location
Abuja Metro 9°03′02″N 7°28′19″E / 9.0505°N 7.4719°E / 9.0505; 7.4719
Stadium 9°02′45″N 7°27′06″E / 9.0459°N 7.4517°E / 9.0459; 7.4517
Kukwaba I 9°02′25″N 7°26′28″E / 9.0402°N 7.4410°E / 9.0402; 7.4410
Kukwaba II 9°01′50″N 7°25′21″E / 9.0306°N 7.4226°E / 9.0306; 7.4226
Wupa 9°01′29″N 7°23′42″E / 9.0247°N 7.3950°E / 9.0247; 7.3950
Idu 9°02′48″N 7°20′32″E / 9.0466°N 7.3421°E / 9.0466; 7.3421
Bassanjiwa 9°00′49″N 7°16′57″E / 9.0136°N 7.2824°E / 9.0136; 7.2824
Airport 9°00′22″N 7°16′19″E / 9.0062°N 7.2720°E / 9.0062; 7.2720

Blue Line

The Blue Line will travel from Idu to Kubwa.

Stations Location
Idu 9°02′48″N 7°20′32″E / 9.0466°N 7.3421°E / 9.0466; 7.3421
Gwagwa 9°05′24″N 7°17′07″E / 9.0901°N 7.2852°E / 9.0901; 7.2852
Deidei 9°06′22″N 7°17′14″E / 9.1061°N 7.2872°E / 9.1061; 7.2872
Kagini 9°07′28″N 7°17′32″E / 9.1245°N 7.2922°E / 9.1245; 7.2922
Gbazango 9°09′13″N 7°18′40″E / 9.1536°N 7.3110°E / 9.1536; 7.3110

Future expansion

A network totalling 290 km (180 mi) is proposed, divided into six phases or 'lots'.[13] Lots 1 and 3 have finished construction.

  • Lot 2 is from Gwagwa via Transportation Centre (Metro Station) to Nyanya/Karu
  • Lot 4 is from Kuje to Karshi with the remaining legs of the Transitway Line 2
  • Lot 5 from Kubwa via Bwari to Suleja
  • Lot 6 from Airport via Kuje and Gwagwalada to Dobi.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Abuja Light Rail: Buhari Launches, Inspects Airport Terminal". Retrieved 2018-07-12.
  2. ^ "Abuja Rail Mass Transit takes off Thursday after 11 years". Businessday NG. 2018-07-10. Retrieved 2020-03-08.
  3. ^ Achirga, Abraham (18 July 2018). "Light rail line in Nigeria's capital opens to passengers". Reuters. Retrieved 2018-12-25.
  4. ^ "Wike inspects Abuja metro rail, says project should be completed in eight months". TheCable. 2023-08-24. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  5. ^ "Abuja Light Rail System, Abuja, Nigeria". Railway Technology. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  6. ^ "First phase of Abuja light rail opens". International Railway Journal. 13 July 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  7. ^ "After Just 2 Years, Abuja Multi-Billion Naira Metro Rail Rots Away - Daily Trust". dailytrust.com. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  8. ^ "After Just 2 Years, Abuja Multi-Billion Naira Metro Rail Rots Away". Daily Trust. Retrieved 27 September 2022.
  9. ^ "Abuja light rail to begin soon as FCTA assures residents of adequate security". 21 September 2023.
  10. ^ "Nigeria: China to Supply Three Abuja Light Rail Coaches Mid 2020". allAfrica. 18 November 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  11. ^ "How Abuja rail line launched by President Buhari works". Premium Times. 17 July 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  12. ^ "Buhari to commission $823.5m Abuja light rail on Thursday". Retrieved 2018-07-11.
  13. ^ "Why expansion of Abuja light rail may take longer time than expected". Business Day. 2 February 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.