NRC Restarts Rail Services on Jos–Bukuru Route

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the resumption of daily passenger train services on the Jos–Bukuru corridor, marking a major step in reviving intra-state railway transport in Plateau State. The service, which will officially resume on Monday, comes exactly one year after operations were suspended.

According to the NRC spokesperson at the Jos station, the trains will make four daily trips between Bukuru and Jos Terminus, with designated stops at Old Airport and Dogon Karfe stations. Passengers have been advised to arrive at the stations at least 10 minutes before departure to ensure smooth boarding and timely departures.

The railway service was initially introduced in early 2024 under a partnership between the Plateau State Government and the NRC. At the time, the state government had launched free daily rail transport as part of efforts to reduce travel costs, decongest road traffic, and strengthen connectivity between communities. However, the service was abruptly halted in early 2025, sparking concerns among commuters who had relied on it for affordable transportation.

The NRC has now clarified that the halt was not due to operational or technical failures, but rather to allow for the scheduling of an official flag-off for commercial operations. The agency further reassured the public that the resumed service would not cost the state government any additional funds, indicating a shift towards a more self-sustaining railway operation in the state.


The return of the Jos–Bukuru railway service is expected to significantly ease transportation challenges faced by residents, particularly traders and civil servants who frequently commute between the two locations. Rail transport has long been considered a cheaper and safer alternative to road transport, especially in areas prone to traffic congestion and high road transport fares.

Economic analysts predict that the railway’s resumption will boost commercial activities along the corridor, allowing traders easier and cheaper access to urban markets in Jos. Additionally, the revival of rail transport is expected to reduce the wear and tear on roads, potentially lowering state spending on road maintenance.

Speaking to Daily Trust, local transport experts expressed optimism that the NRC could extend the service to other parts of Plateau State if the Jos–Bukuru operations prove successful.


In light of Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly in the North-Central region, the NRC assured passengers of enhanced safety measures along the route. Railway officials noted that stations and train coaches have been adequately prepared to ensure passenger safety, with regular monitoring by railway security personnel.


The resumption aligns with the NRC’s broader agenda to revive regional railway networks and restore rail as a major means of transport in Nigeria. Recently, the NRC announced plans to resume Kano–Minna train services before December 2025, indicating renewed federal attention on rail infrastructure development.

For Plateau State residents, the Jos–Bukuru railway is more than just a mode of transportation — it represents a revival of a critical economic lifeline. Stakeholders are now urging the NRC and the state government to maintain the service and consider expanding it to connect other towns in the state.