Nigerian Railway Corporation halts Warri-Itakpe route operations without a set restart date due to mechanical problems

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…FG cuts train fares by 50% for Sallah

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By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the indefinite suspension of the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) due to operational and technical concerns.

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The development comes as the Federal Government approved a 50 per cent reduction in fares on all train services operated by the NRC for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

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The NRC management, through its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, disclosed the suspension ahead of the Sallah festivities.

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According to Unyimadu, the temporary suspension became necessary following technical advice from engineers and to allow the corporation carry out critical operational assessments aimed at ensuring safety, reliability and improved service delivery along the corridor.

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“The NRC regrets the inconvenience this development may cause passengers and other stakeholders, and assures the public that efforts are ongoing to resolve the issues within the shortest possible time,” he said.

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He added that passengers and intending travellers would be informed before the end of the week about the date for the resumption of normal train operations.

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“The Corporation remains committed to safe, efficient and customer-friendly rail services across the country and appreciates the understanding, patience and continued support of the public during this period,” the statement added.

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Speaking on the fare reduction, Unyimadu said the 50 per cent discount approved by the Federal Government was aimed at easing transportation costs for Nigerians travelling during the festive period.

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