Lagos: Doubts As Sanwo-olu Promises Take Off Of Train Services

By Tosin Olatokunbo

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured residents of Lagos State that the state owned train service will commence operations this year.

The governor said the state’s Blue and Red Lines trains will commence operation this year after a long delay. The take off date has been moved forward several times.

The rail line project was started by the administration of Babatunde Raji Fashola, but experienced a long delay under his successor, Akinwumi Ambode.

But speaking to journalists on Monday after a tour of the project from Ikeja to Marina, Sanwo-olu said he will deliver the rail service as promised, for train services to commence before the end of the year.

Sanwo-olu said “Our promise is on course, we believe before the end of this year, we will see trains on top of these tracks. That is our commitment but we will continue to monitor and check ourselves.

“In the last three and a half hours we have gone round to see the constructions ongoing between the Red Line and Blue Line.

“I am happy to report as you all have seen that the constructions are going on as scheduled. Despite today being a public holiday, the contractors are on sites.”

He added that “At Ebute Meta, there will be an overpass from Muritala Mohammed Road up to Apapa Road. They are launching the columns, the station is far ahead because they have completed the station.

“The Marina station is the most iconic for the Blue Line and the beams there will be launched. We have had precast beams stored at the National Art Theatre within six weeks, they should complete the launching,

“At Yaba, we wanted to make a detour into Mushin but because of the logistics of how to get into Mushin station, noting there will be an overpass and a station also at Mushin.

“At Yaba, the last time we were there, they were still excavating but right now they are working to go to the second floor. You also saw the beams and they have been given a marching order to keep to timeline.

“At Ebute Meta, there will be an overpass from Muritala Mohammed Road upto Apapa Road. They are launching the columns, the station is far ahead because they have completed the station.

“At the Marina Station is the most iconic for the Blue Line. All the beams are to be launched. We have had precast beams stored at the National Arts Theatre within six weeks, they should complete the launching.

Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-olu was not specific exactly the month the state owned train operations will take off, leading to suggestions among those that have been monitoring the project, that the state government may be forced to move the timeline forward to 2023