Planning to travel between Port Harcourt and Aba this Christmas? The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has good news for you! They’re boosting passenger capacity to make your holiday travel smoother. Read on for details.
- More train cars are being added to the Port Harcourt-Aba route.
- This should help reduce overcrowding, especially during the busy Christmas period.
- The NRC aims to double the current daily passenger count from 1000 to 2000.
- There are also plans to complete the Aba-Umuahia track in the near future.
Holiday Travel Gets Easier with NRC
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is gearing up for increased passenger traffic on the Port Harcourt-Aba train line during the Christmas season. Mr. Onyedikachi Onovo, the South-East Zonal Public Relations Officer, shared the exciting news in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia.
More Trains, Less Crowding
The NRC is currently refurbishing additional train cars and a baggage van in Aba. Once ready, these will be added to existing trains. “Our intention is to beat the usual Christmas rush,” explained Onovo.
Double the Passengers
Currently, each train trip between Port Harcourt and Aba carries between 500 and 900 passengers. With the added vehicles, the NRC expects to accommodate around 1,000 passengers per trip, aiming for a daily total of at least 2,000 passengers. This will be welcome news to travelers eager to avoid packed buses and stressful road journeys.
Looking Ahead to Umuahia
Beyond the immediate Christmas rush, the NRC is also looking towards the future. Onovo hinted that the Aba-Umuahia track is nearing completion, thanks to assurances from the Ministry of Transport. This development will further expand the railway network in the South-East, providing more travel options for Nigerians.
Tips for Train Travel this Christmas
With increased train capacity, this Christmas is a great time to consider rail travel. Here are a few tips for a smooth journey:
- Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
- Arrive at the station in good time.
- Keep your belongings secure.
- Be mindful of other passengers.