Kano-Kaduna rail line project which Flagged off by Former President Buhari in July 2021 and commenced on April 14, 2022, the project has faced delays with sources saying it may linger till 2024.
Deadline on the completion of the Kano-Kaduna rail line project is June 30th 2023.
The progress of the Kano-Kaduna rail line project has been stalled by challenges including insecurity along the axis, as well as the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy which, in May, forced the contractor to withdraw its vehicles from the project site.
While sources say the project is at less than 45 per cent completion, the contractor – China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Limited (CCECC), recently clarified to the Minister of Transport Saidu Alkali that the project had reached 22.6 per cent completion but lamented the security challenges along the construction area.
With a length of 200.11 kilometres and an expected speed limit of 150 kilometres per hour, according to the Project Profile, the modern railway project is being constructed at the cost of $1.2 billion.
The project is being executed purposely to facilitate the expansion of the North West extension of Abuja-Kaduna railway and strengthen the link between the cities and other areas. It is also expected that the rail line will promote the export of agricultural products and other mineral resources as well as facilitate the mass movement of passengers, particularly middle-class income earners.
From Zawaciki, passing through Kanwa town in Madobi Local Government Area of Kano State, to neighbouring towns and villages along the Kano-Kaduna axis and passing through Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the rail line will link the Kano-Zaria Road and then proceeds to the Tashar Yari axis which is expected to host the biggest stations. The rail line will further link to the Zaria train station and then proceed to Rigasa train station in Kaduna.
