Inside Enugu State’s billion naira automated rail network that will connect the eastern region

The Enugu State government recently revealed that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the China Rail and Bridge Company [CRBC] to construct a world-class rail system in the state. With that partnership, the state hopes to establish itself as a key transportation hub, fostering regional integration and economic growth.

According to the Enugu State Ministry of Transport, at the heart of this unwavering commitment to modernization lies the pivotal initiative of digitizing its processes and integrating state-of-the-art e-payment systems. 

The Commissioner for Transport, Obi Ozor, told this reporter in a chat that contrary to thoughts that the new rail project will be limited to the state capital, the vision for the new rail project extends far beyond the confines of the capital city. 

While not revealing how much this ambitious project is going to cost the state as it is still conducting an in-depth feasibility study, the Commissioner however noted that projects of this scale typically involve substantial costs that can run into billions of naira.

World-class rail project in Enugu

This rail project would not be the first in the state as parts of the state capital are lined with the iron tracks of the Nigerian Railway Corporation. Built around 1918 to connect the coal city of Enugu to the port city of Port Harcourt, the tracks have since become decrepit from age and vandalism.

Indeed, the Eastern District Public Relations Officer, of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Onyedikachi S. Onovo, confirmed to Technext that the old rail tracks are currently been dismantled. He said this was part of a comprehensive replacement process of the country’s old rail system carried out by the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC). He said the process also involves laying new tracks with concrete sleepers. 

“The dismantling of the old tracks, starting from Port-Harcourt, has reached Enugu, and work is ongoing towards Maiduguri. Train operations are expected to resume soon,” he said.

Looking ahead, the Enugu State government, led by Peter Mbah, appears intent on introducing into the state a modern train transportation system that will employ modern technology and innovation to enhance user convenience and efficiency. The Commissioner for Transport told this reporter that some of the key features of the new system include an electronic booking system, smart cards, contactless payment, revenue assurance through e-payment, etc.

While this appears to be a lofty project, one can’t help but point out some of the apparent challenges. One such challenge is vandalism which has already been pointed out. The other and more serious problem is insecurity which has turned the country into a kidnapper’s haven. The tale of the 63 train passengers abducted along the Abuja-Kaduna railway still remains fresh in mind.

The commissioner admits this is a real challenge which his office has considered. 

He also said continuous efforts will be made to enhance and adapt security measures to address emerging challenges as the project progresses.

Beyond the challenges, the Commissioner is quite optimistic that the rail project will provide thousands of jobs. They include but are not limited to engineering works, construction work, railway operations, customer service and ticketing, manufacturing, supply chain management, IT consultancy, analyst jobs, retailers and food vendors,  emergency response, safety and security, project management, environmental and sustainability specialists, hospitality staff, to mention a few.

See also: Enugu state introduces e-tickets for road transporters, to launch online and USSD portals

In conclusion

Modern rail transportation is the hallmark of major cities across the world. Nigerian states are slowly waking up to this reality, with some like Lagos already completing a modern rail system connecting various parts of the state. 

But building these rail systems does not come easy with the story of the abandoned Port Harcourt monorail serving as a constant reminder of this fact. Enugu state is jumping into this fray and like everyone else, appears to be exuding a healthy amount of optimism. 

Building rails across flatlands is one thing, but building them over the highlands that characterize the state’s topography on the other hand, let’s just say the government very literally is facing an uphill task. However, it remains undaunted.

“We are committed to delivering a world-class transportation system that will benefit our citizens and promote regional integration,” Obi Ozor concluded.

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