May 06, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), said it has fixed the damaged concrete sleepers and rails on the Abuja-Kaduna track, bombed by terrorists, who attacked passengers onboard a Kaduna-Abuja train.
It also said that prospective passengers would present their National Identity Number (NIN), as a precondition to purchase train tickets.
Engr. Fidet Okhiria, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), who made the announcement in a statement, said “the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) will resume soon with additional security measures put in place”, and when the trains resume, “passengers will be required to provide their NIN registration for verification prior to purchasing train tickets. This is for improved Passenger profiling and safety on board.”
The statement added; “The connection of the AKTS line has been achieved. This implies that the major track components (Concrete Sleepers and Rails) have been completely laid. The south-end of the tracks (which was destroyed by the explosion) has been successfully joined with the north end. Track access between Abuja and Kaduna is now restored.
“The Technical Team continue with other track stabilisation works including Ballasting, Temping, Fastening of accessories (clips, bolts and nuts) and Welding.
“Loco 2502 which was involved in the accident (though not damaged) and trapped at the Rigasa end due to lack of route access has now crossed to the Idu end and taken to the Workshop for proper examination and routine maintenance.”
The NRC boss, however, explained that the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) would resume soon with additional security measures put in place, and that the NIN requirement would help to improve passenger profiling and safety on board.
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