Lagos begins test run of red line rail ahead of commercial operations

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has commenced the test run of the red line rail in preparation for its commercial operations.

On February 29, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the red line train project.

The 37-kilometre rail line facility is projected to transport passengers from Agbado, Iju to Agege, Mushin, Oshodi, Yaba, and Ebute Meta.

The project was executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

Since its inauguration in February, the Lagos state government has yet to announce the date for the commencement of commercial operations.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Kolawole Ojelabi, LAMATA’s head of corporate communication, said the test run aims to “improve the efficiency of the rail system’s operational framework”.

“The test run successfully simulated and demonstrated a track-sharing arrangement with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) involving all station officers and officials,” the statement reads.

“This signifies a significant step towards commencing passenger operations on the Red Line, which aims to revolutionise transportation in Lagos.

“The test run was carried out with the British rail set class 43 HST train.”

The test run, which started today, is expected to last for four to six weeks.

Commercial operation of the red line is expected to commence in the last quarter of 2024.