Red line rail to move 500,000 commuters daily, says Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the newly- acquired 24 new coaches for Red Line Rail by the state government in China would enhance multimodal transportation system and bring relief to commuters.

He said there were ongoing discussions to extend the Red Line to Ogun State, noting the rail expansion by his administration was tied to Lagos’ broader multimodal transport master plan, including road and waterways.

Speaking during an interview with State House correspondents at the Lagos House, Marina, yesterday, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the new trains on the Red Line would have eight cars, as against the four cars currently being used on blue line.

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He noted that the addition was designed to support the 27-kilometre Red Line from Oyingbo to Agbado, targeting up to 37 daily trips and over 500,000 daily passengers when fully operational.

He says the Omi-Eko water transport project is ongoing, with high-capacity electric boats expected by 2027 to boost ferry services as part of the state’s multimodal plan.

The governor noted that the integration of rail, road and water transport was designed to ensure efficient movement of people across the state, while supporting economic growth.

He said the improved transportation infrastructure would enhance productivity and boost revenue generation for Lagos State.

He said: “The beauty of the Red Line is that it is twice as large as the Blue Line. While the Blue Line operates four-car trains, the Red Line will run eight-car trains. At full capacity, it will be able to move up to 500,000 passengers daily along the corridor from Agbado to Oyingbo.

“Discussions are ongoing to extend the rail service further into neighbouring Ogun State to accommodate more commuters.

“By this time next year, residents will begin to see increased activity on our waterways with the deployment of electric boats to complement existing transport systems.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu recalled that additional rolling stock had earlier been procured for the Blue Line, noting that similar investments were being replicated on the Red Line to strengthen the state’s rail infrastructure.