By David Adekunle, Lagos
The Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, has issued an apology to all passengers on the afternoon belt of the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) over the delay they experienced following a procedural safety decision, as the backup engine lost power moments after the train departed.
The Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, described the report as misleading, which indicated that passengers on the train were stranded by the corporation.
He said the Corporation’s premium on safety at all times informed the reason why the train returned to Kaduna, the moment it was discovered that the back-up engines were losing power.
“Though the train can push through, but for security concerns on the route and since they are less than 30 minutes into the journey, it is advisable to pull back to Rigasa, Kaduna, for safety reasons,” Dr Opeifa said.
The journey resumed at 4 pm (60 minutes later) and arrived at Idu at 18.52 hours. Eighty minutes behind schedule. Passengers were kept informed through Public Address Systems (PAS) on the train and at the Rigasa Station.
He likened what happened to an aircraft that proceeds to the nearest airport rather than to its destination when one or both engines fail.
The Managing Director apologized for the inconveniences experienced by the passengers.
Dr Opeifa reassured passengers and stakeholders that the NRC remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability across all its legacy corridors, whether the narrow or standard gauges.
Victoria Ibanga