Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, led a test run of the Red Line train, inspecting rail facilities in preparation for its upcoming inauguration. The 37-kilometre line, stretching from Agbado to Oyingbo, underwent scrutiny as the governor emphasised readiness for the formal launch.
According to a statement by Gboyega Akosile, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, joined by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and cabinet members, Sanwo-Olu ensured the train’s operational integrity, highlighting plans for regular trips and enforcement against unauthorised activities along the track.
Built by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the Red Line which traverses seven stations will be inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu.
Sanwo-Olu took journalists on a train ride from the Ikeja Mega Station of the Red Line in a last-minute effort to make the infrastructure ready for opening.
Also on the ride were members of the state cabinet.
The Red Line train, which left the garage track for the first time since it was delivered, departed from Ikeja Mega Station at exactly 2:23 pm, moving steadily towards Agbado Station.
Six minutes later, the passengers arrived at Agege Station. The journey proceeded to Iju Station, arriving at 2:38 pm — 15 minutes after leaving Ikeja.
While on board, Sanwo-Olu and his deputy moved along the coaches in a bid to ascertain the conditions of the train’s cars — a set of Talgo wagons built in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the United States.
Some of the comfort facilities inspected by the governor included the train’s cooling system, handrails, cushioned seats and in-built safety features of the wagons.
After the inspection, Sanwo-Olu said the train line was ready for commissioning, but added that there would be continuous enforcement to clear the train path of unapproved activities.
He said: “We just completed another inspection of the Red Rail Line facility and corridor; now we are back in Ikeja Mega Station. We all have just used the train to Iju and back. I’m sure our media men can fully report what we all witnessed in the course of the short journey. This rail infrastructure is ready for inauguration, but we still have a few cleaning to do.
“The challenge we have is the pedestrian interference on the rail track and unapproved activities seen along the corridor. We will continue with the enforcement we started against illegal use of the rail corridor. We are in talks with NRC (Nigeria Railway Corporation) to reinforce the train route with physical barriers to limit pedestrian interference.”
The Governor urged the State’s residents to adhere to the rules of using the rail line, noting that infrastructure was not built for commercial activities.
The train operation, Sanwo-Olu said, would be regular and trips would be made every 15 minutes. He said it was necessary to eliminate incidents that could result in fatality along the track.
“We have reduced human interference on the track considerably over the last two months, but enforcement continues. The stations are ready, the trains are ready and I believe Lagosians are ready to welcome this new infrastructure built for their use and benefit,” Sanwo-Olu said.