The Federal Capital Territory Administration has revealed plans for the country’s very first underground rail line, aiming to link the Abuja Metro Station with the bustling Central Business District (CBD) Bus Terminal.
The Mandate Secretary for Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Elechi, revealed this ambitious project during the launch of the construction of the CBD Bus/Taxi Terminal.
The strategically located CBD Terminal, situated at Eagle Square, will serve as a vital transportation interchange. Adjacent to the terminal, there will be a transit corridor designed to accommodate a future underground light rail.
As per the Abuja Master Plan, this underground rail will run eight meters below the surface, featuring underground train stops.
Commuters will be able to seamlessly transfer from the underground train stops to the bus/taxi terminal located above ground.
Elechi further emphasized that the underground rail line will interconnect with the Metro Station at the Central Business District, promising a new era of efficient and modern public transportation for the city.
“The rail line will be connected from the Metro Station at Central Business District just over there. It will come this way underground. There is a space between the two buildings where the underground train will come up and the station will be on the surface and the train will continue to run underground between the two buildings.
“What we are doing here today is both for now and the future of public transportation in the FCT,” Elechi said.
Completed, the bus/taxi terminal will have a significant impact on public transportation in Abuja. It is expected to reduce traffic congestion by decreasing the number of private cars on the road.
This will result in faster travel times, reduced stress for commuters, and lower costs associated with vehicle maintenance and fuel consumption.
During his speech, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike expressed that the facilities at the Central Business District will emulate the high-quality infrastructure found in other countries.
He emphasized the importance of connecting the expanded road infrastructure with various bus terminals to achieve the desired goals for the city.
“What we are trying to do is to integrate and improve our transport system. It is going to cut all these so-called one-chance crime, that is always committed.
“So, part of what we are doing today is the establishment of robust bus and taxi terminals, that you can go there and say ‘I’m going to Gwagwalada’ and we are aware if anything happens, this is the vehicle and this is the driver that would be held responsible.” Wike said.
