The line we are about to build is state-owned, 135.5km standard gauge line that connects Enugu to all major cities in the South-East.
Construction of a standard gauge rail line that will connect key cities in the South-East to the Onne Port in Rivers State has been announced by the government of Enugu State. The route will be 135.5 kilometers in length.
The information was disclosed by Obi Ozor, the State Commissioner for Transportation, during an interview that took place on Enugu Kwenu, a program that was broadcast on Afia TV on Friday.
The projected train route would increase economic growth and also facilitate the transit of goods from neighboring states such as Delta, according to Ozor, who spoke about the state’s continuing transportation ambitions.
He also disclosed that passengers and freight will both be able to use the proposed railway and there will be less strain on the ports of Lagos and easier transportation of commodities across the Southeast.
While the federal government’s rail project is set to expand from Aba to Enugu within 24 months, Ozor clarified that the plan for Enugu is distinct and will be headed by the state alone.
Ozor said, “The line we are about to build is state-owned. It is a 135.5km standard gauge line that connects Enugu to all major cities in the South-East. You are going to see a proper connection to Anambra through Ugwuoba, and a connection to Ebonyi through the Amechi Idodo axis. And of course, connections to Umuahia, Abia, and Owerri through the line that passes through Nkanu West to Isiagu and goes all the way to Onne Port.
“As part of turning Enugu State into a hub, rail is a critical component to enable the movement of agro-commodities from their sources all the way to the port for export and earning of foreign exchange.
“We have a lot of wealth locked beneath our soil, such as coal. We need to exploit them to generate significant revenue, and rail is critical to achieving this.
The Holy Ghost Transport Terminal in Enugu is set to get a new market station that will cater to both passengers and freight as part of the proposal.
A large inland container port to process agro-products for the South-East and North-East areas is being worked on by the state, he added.