The Lagos State Government is set to strengthen its rail infrastructure with the arrival of six new train sets from China, designed to enhance the operations of the Blue and Red Rail Lines. The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) announced on Thursday that the trains have successfully passed factory acceptance tests and are now scheduled for shipment.
This development aligns with earlier assurances by LAMATA’s Managing Director, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, who stated in December 2024 that new rolling stock would arrive in 2025 to improve rail services for Lagos commuters.
“Six additional train sets will be in Lagos very soon to strengthen the capacity of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue and Red Lines to deliver value to commuters and thereby increase the economic viability of the state.
The six train sets, which have scaled the factory acceptance test hurdles, are scheduled for shipment to Lagos from China,” the statement read.
The new trains are expected to increase the frequency of trips on both lines. The Blue Line, which currently operates 72 trips daily with electric trains, will benefit from greater operational capacity. Meanwhile, the diesel-powered Red Line will also see improved service delivery.
The Blue Line began operations in September 2023, covering 13 kilometres from Marina to Mile 2. Its next phase, extending to Okokomaiko, is projected to be completed by the first quarter of 2027.
The Red Line, a 37-kilometre project, will open its initial 27-kilometre stretch from Agbado to Oyingbo in October 2024. The line features key stations at Ikeja, Oshodi, and Mushin. Phase Two is already underway.
Lagos is also progressing with its third light rail corridor, the Green Line. This 68-kilometre route, connecting the Lekki Free Zone to Marina, will integrate with the Blue Line. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu formalized the agreement for the Green Line with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) at the 2024 China-Africa Cooperation Summit. The project is backed by a federal budget allocation of ₦146.14 billion in counterpart funding.
To ensure the sustainability of its rail operations, the state plans to concession the Blue and Red Lines to private operators. While this initiative is expected to enhance efficiency and help repay loans, concerns remain about its financial viability. With the Blue Line recording 2.37 million passengers as of December 2024, some experts warn that current ridership levels may not generate the returns necessary for substantial infrastructure upgrades.
