…To commence service soon
By Dwelleth Morountodun
The Management of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), on Thursday said passengers will now be required to show their National Identity Number (NIN) registration by NIMC, before they would be allowed to buy tickets to board the Abuja-Kaduna rail line that was attacked on March 28th.
In a statement signed by Mr. Niyi Alli on behalf of the MD, Engr. Fidel Okhiria, reiterated as in its earlier releases, the Abuja – Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) will resume soon with additional security measures put in place.
He said: “Passengers will be required to provide their NIN registration for verification prior to purchasing train tickets. This is for improved Passenger profiling and safety on-board.
“In our concerted efforts at restoring the AKTS tracks corridor for resumption of service soonest, please note the latest updates as follow: The connection of the AKTS line has been achieved. 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 Technical Team continued with other track stablization 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.
“As we have mentioned in our earlier releases, the Abuja – Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) will resume soon with additional security measures put in place.Passengers will be required to provide their NIN registration for verification prior to purchasing train tickets. This is for improved Passenger profiling and safety on-board. According to him, the Corporation is committed to the safety of all our Passengers and Staff on board the ill-fated Ak9 train service. We will continue to collaborate with security agencies to ensure all persons being held are rescued unhurt and reunited with their families, soonest.
He added: “We continue to pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate attack. We also pray that Almighty God continues to grant the families of those who lost loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. We equally pray for the full recovery of those injured in the ill-fated AK9 train service of 28th March, 2022.”
According to him, in compliance with President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive, NRC therefore encourages anyone still looking for a loved one or for update to please contact the following numbers in our situation room: Mrs. Lola 08023310145 and Mr. Mahmood 07038356015.
The NRC, Okhiria added, will continue to express its profound gratitude to the security agencies for the continued support, especially for the security cover availed our officials and staff at the incident site