The Kaduna-Kano-Katsina – Mardi rail corridor is expected to commences operations by December, 2026 as construction progresses,
He said significant progress had been recorded, adding that the government was putting security measures in place, including a surveillance and tracking system, to prevent banditry, kidnapping and vandalism along the railway corridor.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funsho Adebiyi, said the project had advanced considerably since the previous inspection, with an increased workforce and extended working hours to meet the deadline.
He disclosed that the inspection team was about 15 kilometres from Katsina, while work on the station’s architectural features was nearing completion.
Adebiyi added that railway track components had been manufactured and were ready for installation, while crushed stone materials were already available at the site. He expressed confidence that a train would reach the location by December 3.
Adebiyi stressed that security remained a major concern, recalling that vandalism and banditry had disrupted operations along the Kaduna-Abuja railway corridor, resulting in the theft of sensitive equipment and contributing to a train collision.
He said President Tinubu had approved the acquisition of surveillance and security equipment to protect railway infrastructure, while the Nigeria Railway Corporation was strengthening its monitoring capacity.
He also highlighted maintenance and technology transfer as essential to reducing dependence on foreign experts, noting that the railway project extends through Jibia to Maradi in neighbouring Niger Repu
