The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced its intention to boost passenger numbers on the Port Harcourt-Aba corridor during the festive season.
This initiative aims to accommodate the increased travel demand associated with the Yuletide celebrations.
The South-East Zonal Public Relation Officer, Mr. Onyedikachi Onovo, disclosed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia on Thursday.
Onovo said that the corporation was already refurbishing additional vehicles to achieve the plan.
He said that the move was aimed at reducing the current overcrowding of vehicles by passengers.
“Already, two vehicles and a baggage van have arrived Aba, and are currently undergoing rehabilitation.
“The vehicles will be attached to trains as soon as rehabilitations are completed. Our intention is to beat the usual Christmas rush.
“Currently the Port Harcourt-Aba train takes between 500 and 900 passengers per trip.
“With these additional vehicles, we will be able to convey about 1,000 passengers per trip. We are targeting no fewer than 2,000 passengers daily,” he said.
Onovo further said that following assurances by the transport ministry, the Aba-Umuahia track would soon be completed.
