The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that train services along the Port Harcourt–Aba corridor will resume on Tuesday.
Onyedikachi Onovo, the NRC eastern district spokesperson, announced in Enugu on behalf of the NRC management on Monday.
The corporation had suspended train services along the Port Harcourt–Aba corridor on September 5, citing routine maintenance.
“The attention of NRC has been drawn to a video on social media showing passengers of the Port Harcourt-Aba Train Service trekking long distances and even crossing a stream in search of alternative means of transportation,” he said.
“This followed the breakdown of the train at Imo River on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at about 16:22 hrs.”
The spokesperson said NRC’s engineers attempted to revive the railcar after it developed an unusual fault on its way from Port Harcourt to Aba, but the fault persisted.
He explained that an alternative engine, Loco 2306, was deployed to rescue the stranded train, while passengers either took alternative routes or were conveyed back safely.
Onovo said the railcar had since been returned to Port Harcourt and is currently undergoing thorough repairs to ensure it is fit to resume service in line with enhanced quality control.
“All passengers affected by this disruption are advised to visit our stations in Port Harcourt or Aba with evidence of payment for a possible refund or replacement of train ride,” he said.
“We appreciate the concerns raised by the public and deeply value the patience and understanding shown by our passengers during this period.”
Onovo added that the NRC management remains committed to transforming the corporation under the renewed hope agenda, ensuring safer, reliable, and customer-friendly rail services nationwide.
