After years of delay, Lagos finally announces date for light-rail full operation

The first phase of 37KM Lagos light-rail stretches between Oyingbo and Agbado

The long awaited Lagos light-rail is finally coming on stream before the end of 2022.

The Red Line was supposed to have been completed and commenced operations since four years ago, but the project had stalled following the change in government.

Now, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced on Tuesday that the Lagos light-rail project is on course to go live by 2022.

In a statement, Mabimbola Akinajo, the Managing Director, who announced this, said she met with contractors and consultants handling the Lagos Light-Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red and Blue Line projects.

The official noted that the Red Line is one of seven rail lines identified in the state’s Strategic Transport Master Plan for the mass movement of commuters and reduce road congestion.

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The 24-kilometre stretch between Oyingbo and Agbado is the first phase of the 37-kilometre rail project.

“The Red Line is supposed to be a quick win, because it will share tracks with the Nigerian Railway Corporation on its Lagos – Ibadan rail corridor. There will be no delays, no budget or cost overrun and there will not be any shift in delivery date,” he said.

To ensure train movement is not obstructed, four overpasses and three pedestrian bridges would be constructed to eliminate level crosses and pedestrian access on the rail tracks.

Akinajo said projection is that the first phase of the Red line will carry between 350,000 and 400,000 passengers daily.’

Director of Rail Transportation, LAMATA, Olasunkanmi Okusaga, urged contractors and consultants to ensure they meet the target date.