NRC expands Abuja–Kaduna rail services as passenger traffic rises

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has increased the frequency of trips on the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor in response to sustained growth in passenger demand.

The announcement was made in a statement shared on the corporation’s official X account on Tuesday and signed by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu.

According to the statement, the revised timetable will take effect from Friday, March 6, 2026. The adjustment is intended to provide commuters with additional travel options, improve operational flexibility and enhance service delivery along the busy route.

The corporation noted that operations on the corridor had previously been affected by security and technical setbacks, including the March 28, 2022 bomb attack and the August 26, 2025 derailment.

Those incidents, it explained, resulted in a reduction of available rolling stock from three to one, the introduction of Temporary Speed Restrictions for safety reasons, and a decrease in the number of daily trips.

“With stability now restored and in response to sustained passenger demand, the Corporation has expanded services to better meet the expectations of commuters, in addition to the earlier relaxation of some temporary speed restrictions,” it stated.

Under the updated schedule, passengers travelling between Idu and Rigasa will have three trips on Fridays and Sundays, as well as on Saturdays and Mondays, while services on Tuesdays and Thursdays will operate twice daily.

“Specifically, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Idu–Rigasa service will depart Idu at 8:45 a.m. and return from Rigasa at 2:30 p.m.

“On Fridays and Sundays, three trips will operate, with departures from Idu at 7:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., and from Rigasa at 11:30 a.m.

“On Saturdays and Mondays, services will depart Rigasa at 7:15 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and from Idu at 11:00 a.m., with all trains making scheduled stops at Kubwa,” the statement added.

The NRC advised passengers to familiarise themselves with the revised timetable and plan their journeys accordingly.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening capacity, ensuring safety and reliability, and improving overall passenger experience across its rail network.