Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state has said the Yaba and Ikeja Along bridges would be opened to vehicular movement in October.

Sanwo-Olu spoke on Wednesday, September 27, when he inspected the infrastructure component of the Red Rail Line.

According to the governor, more bridges would be built in conjunction with the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC).

While the red rail line has eight major stations – Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Mushin, Yaba, Ebute Metta and Iddo/Oyingbo, the trains would use the tracks built by the federal government.

It will take a minimum of 1,000 passengers per ride.

The governor reiterated that government is on track to deliver the project before the end of the year.

He also hinted that Phase 2 of the Blue Line has been awarded, and will hopefully be completed faster than the first phase.

He said: “We have seen the state of infrastructure on our Red Rail Line corridor, and we are impressed. We are also on track to deliver the project before year end.

“However, there is still work to be done, especially clearing of illegal structures around the tracks and general clean up of the axis. While some of the bridges are completed, some are about 98 per cent ready, and we will start opening them to vehicular movement from October before the train starts work officially.

“We will also step up security enforcement to prevent intruders from accessing the railway corridor. We have spoken to traders and other illegal occupants to vacate because we have to ensure security of passengers.

“Change is an attitude and a way of life; people cannot remain on the tracks. We might also consider erecting concrete barricades as a security measure.

“We also want passengers to have a total lifestyle experience within the train stations, that is why they are large enough to accommodate a variety of ventures.

“The Ikeja station is the largest in Africa and even Europe because we want it to be a hub of mega businesses. Passengers can have a total lifestyle experience connecting the train ride to the BRT ride as the red line is also accessible with the cowry card,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu also urged passengers taking the Blue Line to exercise patience while boarding.

He appealed to them to be orderly and allow passengers to disembark before boarding as that is the normal procedure. (The Nation)

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