The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) will operate additional special train services across its major standard gauge corridors – Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna – on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

The managing director of NRC, Kayode Opeifa, said this in a statement signed by Callistus Unyimadu, the corporation’s spokesperson, on Saturday.

Mr Opeifa said the extension was in response to an exceptional surge in passenger turnout during earlier special services in celebration of Eid-el-Kabir.

”This follows the success of earlier special trips on Thursday, June 5, which witnessed full bookings and high commuter traffic.

”The extra trips would ease return travel for festive travellers heading back to their destinations,” he said.

According to Mr Opeifa, the scheduled trips are as follows: Monday – Lagos to Ibadan at 8:00 a.m., 1:55 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., and Ibadan to Lagos at 8:00 a.m., 11:03 a.m., and 4:46 p.m.

He said NRC extended the Abuja-Kaduna train services to Tuesday.

”To manage the continued high demand on the Abuja-Kaduna corridors, NRC will extend its full six-trip daily schedule originally applicable from Friday to Monday to Tuesday, June 11,” he said.

He said the schedule for Abuja to Kaduna services would be 7:45 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:10 p.m., while Kaduna to Abuja services would take place at 7:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

According to Mr Opeifa, the gesture demonstrates the corporation’s responsiveness to public needs and dedication to delivering efficient, safe and timely rail services.

“We are pleased with the public response to our special services,” he said. “These additional trips are part of our commitment to meeting the growing demand for rail mobility.”

NRC advised all passengers to arrive early for security screening and boarding, as train departure would be strictly on schedule.

It also advised passengers to complete their online bookings in advance.

(NAN)