NRC boosts Abuja–Kaduna Train trips after turbulent years

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced an expansion of its Abuja–Kaduna Train Service (AKTS), with additional trips scheduled to commence on Friday, as part of efforts to meet rising passenger demand on the corridor.

The Chief Public Relations Officer of the Corporation, Callistus Unyimadu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on behalf of management, explaining that the revised timetable is aimed at providing more travel options, enhancing operational flexibility and strengthening service delivery on the busy route.

Unyimadu said the Abuja–Kaduna corridor had previously faced significant operational setbacks, recalling the March 28, 2022 bomb attack and the August 26, 2025 derailment, which disrupted services and reduced available rolling stock from three trains to one.

He added that the incidents necessitated the introduction of Temporary Speed Restrictions (TSR) to ensure passenger safety, alongside a reduction 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,” Unyimadu said, noting that some of the temporary speed restrictions have also been relaxed as conditions improved.

He explained that under the revised schedule, passengers travelling between Idu and Rigasa will enjoy three trips on Fridays and Sundays, as well as on Saturdays and Mondays, while two trips will continue to operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Providing details of the timetable, Unyimadu said that 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, he said, departures from Idu are fixed for 7:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., with a train departing Rigasa at 11:30 a.m.

He further stated that on Saturdays and Mondays, services will depart Rigasa at 7:15 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., while trains will leave Idu at 11:00 a.m., with all services making scheduled stops at Kubwa.

Unyimadu urged passengers to take note of the new timetable and plan their journeys accordingly.

He reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to improving capacity, reliability, safety and the overall passenger experience across its network, adding that the service expansion reflects the NRC’s resolve to consolidate stability and rebuild commuter confidence on the Abuja–Kaduna rail line.