By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Government has announced the acquisition of 24 new train cars to boost operations on the Lagos Red Line, in a move aimed at expanding capacity and improving commuter experience along the corridor.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed the development during an official visit to China with senior officials of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority and the Ministry of Transportation, sharing images of the new rolling stock via his Instagram page.
According to the governor, the additional trains will enhance service delivery, reduce passenger waiting times, and ease daily commuting for residents. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building an efficient and reliable transport system across the state.
The Red Line, inaugurated in February 2024, is a 37-kilometre corridor running from Agbado in Ogun State to Oyingbo on Lagos Island. The route traverses major districts including Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, and Yaba, providing a vital mass transit alternative in the city.
Designed as part of Lagos’ broader rail master plan, the line shares a right of way with the Nigerian Railway Corporation standard gauge track and connects with the Lagos Blue Line at key interchange points, supporting the state’s vision of an integrated multimodal transport network.
The government noted that the corridor has recorded growing patronage since its launch, driven by increasing demand for faster and more predictable alternatives to road transport amid persistent traffic congestion.
It added that the latest acquisition forms part of ongoing efforts by LAMATA to expand rail services and improve connectivity to more communities, with plans underway to extend the Red Line beyond its current terminals and integrate it with bus rapid transit and water transport systems
