After Three Decades, Freight Services Begin On Warri-Itakpe Rail Line
Business activities will receive a boost in Warri Delta State, as the Federal Government on Friday flagged off commercial cargo services on the Warri-Itakpe standard gauge rail line, 30 years after it was abandoned by previous administrations.
The 320 km route was rehabilitated by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, as part of its commitment to link major towns and cities in the country with a rail transportation system.
Performing the flag-off ceremony in Warri, Delta state, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said their administration will continue to ensure that all critical infrastructure capable of bettering the lives of Nigerians, are “completed and commissioned by this administration.”
He continued: “It is universally acknowledged that a developing country with a large population such as Nigeria must develop a robust transport system like modern and functional rail system, which is undeniably instrumental to creating much needed socio-economic transformation and industrial development and in enhancing more efficient, land-based, affordable mode for mass transit and freight services.
“We are here today, to flag-off commercial freight services on the standard gauge route that was abandoned for over thirty years but rehabilitated by this administration and put into operation.
“This laudable achievement will definitely boost the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, and equally enhance the socio-economic development of the communities living along the route.
“The project is for the benefit of these communities and Nigeria generally, irrespective of political affiliation,” he said.
According to the Minister, construction and modernization of railway projects cuts across all geopolitical zones regardless of the political leanings of the states.
“The modernization of railway in Nigeria is not confined or restricted to any geographical location in the country.
“It is the intention of this present administration to ensure that every part of the country is linked with standard gauge railway lines.
“While the federal government will continue to rehabilitate and maintain the existing narrow gauge, other state and zones will be availed the opportunity of railway modernization project within their geographical zones,” he added.
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