By Promise Dera

Copyright nigerianeye

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has officially resumed passenger train services on the Abuja-Kaduna route, marking a significant step toward restoring reliable rail transport following a major derailment incident earlier this year.

The announcement, made on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, comes after a suspension prompted by safety concerns and infrastructure failures, bringing relief to commuters who rely on the route for daily travel and business.

The services were halted on August 26, 2025, after a train carrying 618 people—including 583 passengers—derailed at the Rigasa station in Kaduna State.

This was the second such incident at the same location within just 13 months, highlighting ongoing challenges with defective infrastructure and lapses in safety management, as detailed in a report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

The accident resulted in 22 injuries, but no fatalities were reported. In the immediate aftermath, NRC prioritized passenger welfare, processing refunds for 512 out of 530 contacted affected individuals and providing medical support to the injured.

Operations recommenced today with enhanced safety protocols in place. All required technical, operational, and safety checks have been completed, ensuring a secure return to service.

The daily timetable includes:Abuja to Kaduna: Departure from Idu Station at 8:45 a.m., stopping at Kubwa at 9:05 a.m., and arriving at Rigasa at 12:42 p.m.

Kaduna to Abuja: Departure from Rigasa at 2:30 p.m., stopping at Kubwa at 6:02 p.m., and arriving at Idu at 6:23 p.m.

Services will pause every Wednesday for routine maintenance to uphold operational standards.

In a statement, Callistus Unyimadu, NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, emphasized the corporation’s dedication to passenger safety and reliability.

“This step shows the Corporation’s commitment to ensuring smooth, reliable, and secure train services for the traveling public,” Unyimadu said.

He added, “The corporation deeply appreciates the patience, cooperation, and understanding of passengers during the suspension period. We remain steadfast in our mission to deliver safe, affordable, and efficient rail transportation that supports national connectivity and economic growth.”

To further support those impacted by the derailment, NRC has introduced compensatory measures: All 618 individuals on board the affected train are eligible for one free ride on the route before December 31, 2025.

Additionally, the 22 injured passengers will receive one complimentary weekly ride until the same deadline, with ongoing medical check-ins provided.

The resumption aligns with broader federal efforts to bolster Nigeria’s rail infrastructure, as highlighted in President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address, where he called for innovation and productivity in national development.

NRC reaffirmed its long-term vision: “We are committed to providing safe, reliable, affordable, efficient, secure, and more customer-friendly train transportation alternatives across the country.”

Passengers are advised to book tickets via official channels to avoid delays, with full details available on the NRC website.

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