The Nigerian Railway Corporation has expanded its train operations on the Abuja-Kaduna route, increasing the number of services from four to six during weekdays, specifically from Monday to Friday.
A statement signed by the Deputy Director, Public Relations, Yakub Mohmood, on Wednesday, disclosed the new update.
This expansion is aimed at meeting the growing demand for train services on the route.
The corporation said the decision followed a five-month trend analysis which revealed a 22 per cent increase in the number of new passengers registering on the ticket platform to use the Abuja-Kaduna Service.
This growth, it noted, reflects a significant rise in the number of Nigerians opting for train services as a preferred mode of transportation due to its comfort, reliability, and safety.
He highlighted the corporation’s commitment to improving customer satisfaction and addressing complaints of ticket racketeering.
The statement read, “The Nigerian Railway Corporation, in reaffirming its commitment to responding to customer demands, improving customer satisfaction and tackling complaints of ticket racketeering, has increased the number of train services from 4 services to 6 services from Friday to Monday when demand tends to peak on its AKTS Route.
“According to the Ag. Managing Director of the Corporation, Mr Ben Iloanusi, trend analysis over five months revealed a significant increase of 22 per cent in the number of new passengers registering on the ticket platform to use the Abuja-Kaduna Service trend analysis over five months revealed a significant increase of 22 per cent in the number of new passengers registering on the ticket platform to use the Abuja-Kaduna Service, signifying a surge in the number of Nigerians turning to the use of train services as a comfortable, reliable and safe option of commuting.”
It also noted that similar trends have been established on the Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe, and Port Harcourt-Aba routes, and efforts are already ongoing to beef up services along these routes as well.
“NRC has observed similar trends on the Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe, and Port Harcourt-Aba routes, and efforts are already ongoing to beef up services along these routes as well.
“The Ag. MD assured Nigerians of the increased presence of Senior Management of NRC across all the train service routes to drive continuous efficiency and tackle the issue of ticket racketeering head-on.
“Our valued customers are encouraged to use NRC ticket platforms online to take advantage of the increased services and shun patronage of ticket racketeers.
“Additional information can be obtained from the NRC website – www.nrc.gov.ng,” It added.
The introduction of additional train trips on the Abuja-Kaduna rail route closely follows the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s recent expansion of services on the Lagos-Ibadan route.
This adjustment, aimed at accommodating increased passenger demand, includes extra trips on Fridays and Saturdays to provide more flexible travel options. (PUNCH)
