By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has increased the number of trips on the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) corridor in response to growing passenger demand.
The Chief Public Relations Officer of the corporation, Mr. Callistus Unyimadu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos, noting that the new timetable will take effect from Friday, March 6.
Read also:How CCECC, other contractors bribed NRC officials N2.04bn for contracts – EFCC
According to him, the adjustment is aimed at providing more travel options, enhancing operational flexibility, and strengthening service delivery on the busy Abuja-Kaduna route.
Unyimadu recalled that the corridor previously experienced operational disruptions following the March 28, 2022 bomb blast and the August 26, 2025 derailment.
The incidents, he said, led to a reduction in rolling stock from three to one, the introduction of Temporary Speed Restrictions (TSR) for safety, and a cut 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 commuters’ expectations, in addition to the earlier relaxation of some temporary speed restrictions,” he said.
Under the revised schedule, passengers travelling between Idu and Rigasa will have three trips on Fridays and Sundays, as well as on Saturdays and Mondays, while two trips will continue to operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Read also: TCAN unveils plans for 2026 Transport Summit on economic growth through logistics
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 run, 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, trains will depart Rigasa at 7:15 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and from Idu at 11:00 a.m., with all services making scheduled stops at Kubwa.
Unyimadu advised passengers to take note of the new timetable and plan their journeys accordingly, reiterating the NRC’s commitment to improving capacity, reliability, safety, and overall passenger experience across its network.
