The construction of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT), which was inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for commercial operation on Tuesday was awarded in 2007 and had a trial operation from Sept. 2018 to March 2020.
The rail, which was developed in six phases, was funded with loans from the China EXIM Bank. It was first commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari on July 12, 2018 with three stations opened in this first phase.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected the continuous trial operation, coupled with massive vandalism of key components, which stopped the trial operation.
The contract was awarded at the cost of $824 million, with 60 per cent to be funded with loans from the Exim Bank of China.
When fully completed, the Rail Mass Transit is to consist six lots, covering a distance of approximately 285km.
Lot 1, which has been completed, has two lines and 12 stations connecting the Abuja city centre with the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. It has stations at Abuja metro, stadium, Kukwaba 1, Kukwaba 11, Wupa, Idu, Bassanjiwa and the airport.
Lot 2 (Not yet started) is to start from Gwagwa via Transportation Centre (metro station) to Nyanya/Karu.
Lot 4 (Also not started) is to start from Kuje to Karshi with the remaining legs of the transit-way line 2, while the Blue Line (Lot 3) is expected to pass through Idu to Kubwa, with stations in Idu, Gwagwa, Deidei, Kagini and Gbazango.
Lot 5 is expected to be from Kubwa via Bwari to Suleja, and Lot 6 from the airport via Kuje and Gwagwalada to Dobi.
The completed train system has 12 diesel multiple units each, with a capacity to accommodate a minimum of 700 passengers.
Each train was designed to run a minimum of 14 trips per day, and transport approximately 9,800 passengers per day.
The two lines, that is Lot 1A from Idu Station to Gbazango and Lot 3, from Metro Station to Airport, will operate two trains each simultaneously every day. This will bring a total daily passenger count to 39,200 commuters and 980,000 commuters in 25 operational days in a month.”
