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The Federal Government on Thursday officially took delivery of the completed assets of the Port Harcourt-Aba section of the Eastern Narrow-Gauge Railway Project from the contractor, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.
Also, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Transportation, officially handed over the project and its operations to the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
The contractor (CCECE) handed over the assets at a brief ceremony in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The assets include 283.060 km of dismantled tracks, 62.800 km of rehabilitated and reconstructed subgrade, and 62.800 km of rail laid for the main line.
Speaking, the Project Supervisor, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Ayo Dada, said the assets received from the contractor also included the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 27 sets of turnouts at various stations, the rehabilitation of four existing steel bridges, and the reconstruction of one concrete bridge.
Dada stated, “The contractor, CCECC Nig. Limited, officially hands over all the completed assets for the Port Harcourt-Aba Section of the Eastern Narrow-Gauge Railway Project.
“These handed-over assets include the dismantling and handover of dismantled tracks 283.060 km, rehabilitation and reconstruction of subgrade 62.800 km, supply and laying rail for the main line 62.800 km, laying rail for the siding lines 5.690km, rehabilitation and reconstruction of 27 sets of the turnouts at Port Harcourt station, Elelenwo station, Obuzor station, Umugo station and Aba station.
“Rehabilitation of the existing four steel bridges at DK6+807.2, DK10+858.6, DK13+243.8 and DK27+469.2, reconstruction of 1 concrete bridge at DK4+252, rehabilitation of 10 existing culverts, reconstruction of 12 new culverts, reconstruction of 35 level crossings and construction of 33,275 m drainage to the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the client, upon the handover inspections of the various completed assets. ”
He further said 10 existing culverts were rehabilitated, 12 new culverts were reconstructed, and 35 level crossings were reconstructed.
He said, “The contractor also constructed 33,275 meters of drainage. The contractor submitted the technical specifications and maintenance manual of the Port Harcourt-Aba section of the project to the consultant, Khairi-Jamub Global Services, and the client, Federal Ministry of Transportation.”
While noting that the Port Harcourt-Aba rail project is part of the larger Eastern Narrow-Gauge Railway project aimed to connect five geopolitical zones in the country, Dada said the project is expected to improve socio-economic activities, boost trade, and facilitate ease of movement among the regions involved.
The Managing Director of Nigeria Railway Cooperation, Ben Iloanusi, said the NRC is now responsible for the operation and maintenance of the rail section, which spans from Kilometres 0-62.
Iloanusi, who was represented by Deputy Director Track and Civil from Nigeria Railway Cooperation, Ogunade Adesegun, noted the commercial aspect of the train has been running smoothly, providing easier, faster, and cheaper transportation for passengers and goods.
He stated, “This development is a testament to the government’s efforts to provide efficient transportation systems, and the dividends of these efforts are now materialising.”
On security, the NRC MD assured that the corporation is taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of passengers and goods.
He disclosed that the NRC has deployed vigilante groups to safeguard the tracks and property of the NRC, adding that the Ministry of Transport and the Presidency have also put in place other security measures to protect the rail infrastructure.
Speaking further on the project to newsmen after the handing-over ceremony, Ayo Dada, said the development has marked a significant milestone in the project’s completion.
Dada explained that the delay in handing over the project was due to the necessary diligence and processes that needed to be followed, saying it was just one segment of the larger project, which would be completed in phases.
“The completion of this project is expected to boost the economy of both cities and states, bringing development and growth to the region. The railway will also provide a safer and more efficient means of transportation, reducing the risk of accidents and congestion on the roads,” he said.
On the cost of the project, the project manager, representing the consultant (Khairi-Jamub Limited), Olufemi Aransiola, said the project comprises rehabilitation of the existing track from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.
Aransiola added, “It (the Port Harcourt-Aba section) has been operational for about five months, and it has performed and scaled all variables that are needed to confirm safety and durability.
“The project cost from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri is $3.02 billion, including sidings, stations and other auxiliaries.”
