Abuja Light Rail

Abuja Light Rail is a project that is underway to build a light rail transport system in Abuja in FCT, Nigeria. The first phase of the project will connect the city center to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, stopping at the standard gauge railway station in Idu. The project is 90% complete as of March 2017^[1] and is expected to be launched in December 2017.^[2]

Routes

The complete network is planned to link Abuja with satellite towns such as Nyanya, Kubwa, Mararaba and Lugbe.

$US840 million, 78km Abuja Light Rail System (ALRS)^[3].

Some of the lines extend from the Federal Capital Territory into the neighbouring states.

Stations

Some of the other stations, outside Abuja Municipality, include:

• Gwagwalada
• Nyanya in Nasarawa
• Mararaba in Nasarawa
• Keffi in Nasarawa
• Suleja in Niger State

Project

President Olusegun Obasanjo performed the official groundbreaking ceremony in May 2007.^[4] The project was originally linked to the city's bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2014.^[5]

However, lack of funds delayed the project by many years. A construction contract was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, but as of November 2010, they had only received 20% of the promised amount from the government.^[6]

Initially, diesel rolling stock will be used; electrification will be undertaken when electricity supplies are more reliable.^[6] Rails will be imported; sleepers are being produced locally.

See also

References