By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) will operate additional special train services across its major standard gauge corridors – Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna – on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

The Managing Director of NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, said that the extension was in response to exceptional surge in passengers’ turnout during earlier special services in celebration of the Eid Kabir.

“This follows the success of earlier special trips on Thursday, June 5, which witnessed full bookings and high commuter traffic.

“The extra trips would ease return travel for festive travellers heading back to their destinations,” he said.

According to Opeifa, the scheduled trips are: Monday – Lagos to Ibadan at 8.00 a.m., 1.55 p.m. and 4.00 p.m., and Ibadan to Lagos at 8.00 a.m., 11.03 a.m. and 4.46 p.m.

He said that NRC extended the Abuja-Kaduna train services to Tuesday.

“To manage the continued high demand on the Abuja-Kaduna corridors, NRC will extend its full six-trips daily schedule originally applicable from Friday to Monday to Tuesday, June 11,” he said.

He said that the schedule for Abuja to Kaduna services would be 7.45 a.m., 2.00 p.m. and 3.10 p.m. while Kaduna to Abuja services would take place at 7.00 a.m., 2.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m.

According to Opeifa, the gesture demonstrates the corporation’s responsiveness to public needs and dedication to delivering efficient, safe and timely rail services.

“We are pleased with public response to our special services.

“These additional trips are part of our commitment to meeting the growing demand for rail mobility,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NRC advised all passengers to arrive early for security screening and boarding as train departure would be strictly on schedule.

It also advised passengers to complete their online bookings in advance. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Ijeoma Popoola