By Fidelis Ugbomeh
As part of efforts to boost economic ties between Nigeria and Niger Republic, Minister of Transportation Senator, Said Ahmed Alkali has said that the Kano-Maradi standard gauge railway line will be completed in 2025
He made this remark recently in Katsina state during an inspection visit to the site of the ongoing construction of Kano-Maradi standard gauge railway line.
According to him, “We are going to segment the Kano to Maradi railway project such that Kano-Daura will be completed next year while Daura-Maradi and Dutse-Kano will be completed in 2026”.
The Minister also pointed out that the ground formation, earthwork and culvert contruction along the rail corridor has been completed awaiting the laying of rail lines/sleepers.
He stated further that only compressed natural gas locomotive engines will be used to operate the Kano-Maradi rail corridor in line with the present administration’s plans to reduce reliance on diesel powered locomotive engines.
Alkali also disclosed that plans are underway to start operation of the Lagos-Kano narrow gauge railway line next month adding that the Dala inland dry port in Kano is expected to be put into optimal use when the Kano-Naradi railway line commence operation.
According to him presently the corporation is replacing some tracks that were vandalized in along the Lagos-Kano narrow gauge railway corridor in preparation for commencement of Freight train service.