By Kabiru Abdulrauf
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that the Abuja–Kaduna passenger train service will resume operations next week, following the completion of repairs and safety checks on the track section at Asham.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, said the exact resumption date and updated schedule will be communicated in the coming days.
Unyimadu noted that the corporation had worked “tirelessly” to restore both infrastructure and rolling stock to meet global safety standards after the service was suspended in the aftermath of the August 26 derailment.
The NRC also disclosed that refunds had been processed for 512 of the 583 passengers on board the affected train, with efforts continuing to reach the remaining passengers.
The August derailment, which occurred shortly after departure from Abuja, left four passengers seriously injured and prompted a temporary suspension of service for urgent repairs and safety assurance.
With the impending resumption, the NRC says it is confident that passengers can look forward to a safer and more reliable rail experience on one of Nigeria’s busiest routes.
