On February 29th, 2024, President Tinubu inaugurated the Lagos Red Line Rail Project. Governor Sanwo-Olu announced that six total lines are planned for the Lagos rail mass transit system. The preliminary works for the next rail projects, the Green Line and the Purple Line have already begun.
Table of Contents
What Is The Red Line Route
The Red Line is an essential metro rail link that forms a crucial part of the Lagos-Ibadan rail corridor, covering a distance of 37 kilometres. It will share the right-of-way with the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway. The route will primarily run between Agbado in Ogun State and Oyingbo in Lagos, including significant stations such as Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba, and Oyingbo.
Interesting Facts about The Lagos Red Line Rail Project
- Infrastructure In Place
Significant infrastructure has been developed to ensure commuters’ safety and the rail line’s smooth operation. This includes the construction of 10 vehicular overpasses and pedestrian bridges, which separate train traffic from vehicular and pedestrian flows.
- The Cost of constructing Lagos Red Line Rail Project
The Red Line project is a significant investment in the Urban Transportation Infrastructure of Lagos. It is being managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) under the Greater Lagos Urban Transportation Project. The initial estimated cost was $135 million, but Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently revealed that the combined cost of both the Blue and Red Lines would exceed ₦100 billion. The Blue Line project, originally scheduled for completion in 2011, has been delayed, highlighting the funding challenges faced by the project.
- The First Phase Of The Lrmt Project Is Expected To Facilitate 37 Trips Daily And Move More Than 500,000 Passengers Daily.
- The Rail Stretches Over A Distance Of 27 Kilometres.
- There Are Eight Stations From Agbado In Ogun State To Lagos State – Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, And Yaba, Before Terminating At Oyingbo.
- Ten vehicular overpasses and pedestrian bridges, separate train traffic from vehicular and pedestrian flows, have been constructed. This Will Help Ensure The Smooth Operation Of The Rail Line And Safety For Commuters.
- The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority heads the Lmrt Project Under The State’s Ministry Of Transportation.
- The Project Aims To Alleviate Traffic Congestion, Minimise Road Accidents, And Improve Commuter Safety Within Lagos.
- The Red Line Will Utilise A Diesel-powered System Known As Diesel Multiple Unit, Which Employs On-board Diesel Engines To Propel Multiple-unit Trains.
The Red Line Rail Project represents a significant milestone in Lagos’ transportation infrastructure development. Its inauguration promises to enhance connectivity, ease commuter burdens, and contribute to the city’s overall economic growth and development.
