FCTA would invest N5 billion in restoring Abuja’s rail mass transit system

The Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) System renovation contract was awarded for N5 billion on Friday, according to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

According to The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd (CCECC) would complete the project within a year.

The goal, according to Mr Olusade Adesola, Permanent Secretary FCTA, is to rebuild Abuja’s crucial rail transit system, which he called the “life blood of the city.”

He claims that the Abuja light rail will be essential in reducing transportation issues and improving mobility for locals.

He said that in order to stop the COVID-19 epidemic from spreading further, it was necessary to temporarily shut down the rail system.

According to Adesola, a “serious setback” occurred when criminals damaged crucial train system equipment during the idleness period.

According to the permanent secretary, contracts for the ARMT System’s security have been awarded.

“To protect this priceless treasure, we are taking strict procedures.

“We won’t permit a few vandals’ acts to compromise the development and potential of this crucial public service.

In order to restore the Abuja Light Rail System to its former grandeur and ensure that it outperforms its prior performance, he declared, “We will stop at nothing.”

Adesola clarified that as part of the rehabilitation, broken equipment would be fixed or replaced, facilities would be upgraded, and contemporary security precautions would be put in place to fend off potential threats.

He promised the locals that the procedure would be sped up without sacrificing quality.

“A more effective and dependable transport system will soon be back.

“This is due to the fact that revitalising the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System is not just about fixing the city’s physical infrastructure; it is also a monument to the city’s and its residents’ resiliency.

“It demonstrates our will to succeed and our steadfast dedication to the welfare of our population.

Adesola continued, “It is a demonstration of our government’s commitment to establishing a favourable climate for economic growth and social well-being.

FCTA’s Director of Transportation, Mr Joseph Akinteye, revealed that Lots 1A and 3 of the project total 45.245 kilometres.

According to Akinteye, the initial length of the ARMT system was 77.775 km, but only 45.245 km of that distance was finished in 2017, put into service in 2018, and then subjected to a 20-month trial operation period.

He stated that the COVID-19 pandemic and its extent protocols caused the trial service to stop prematurely in March 2020.

When the restoration was finished, he claimed, the Metro Line services would resume.

He said that the negative consequences of the reduction of fuel subsidies, particularly on inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), would be greatly mitigated by the ripple effects.

According to Mr Wang Xixue, Managing Director of CCECC, the development of the transport system in the FCTA depends on the rehabilitation of the ARMT system’s vandalised components.

He promised that the rehab will be finished in a year.

“As a socially conscious business, we are concerned about the growth of the public transit infrastructure in FCTA and throughout Nigeria.

In order to contribute to the creation of a cutting-edge public railway transit system, he stated, “We will maintain close interaction with essential parties.