Lagos Red Line Rail To Transport 500,000 Daily – Babajide Sanwo-Olu

AYOMIDE TIWATAYO, Lagos

The Lagos State Government has announced that the Red Line rail project will significantly enhance mass transportation, with the capacity to move up to 500,000 commuters daily upon full operation.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this known on Wednesday while addressing journalists at the 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) held in Lagos. The meeting brought together officials of the Nigerian Revenue Service, state internal revenue service chairmen from across the country, and representatives of the Federal Capital Territory.

Sanwo-Olu explained that the Red Line rail system would offer a substantial improvement over the Blue Line, noting that it would operate eight-car trains—double the capacity of the four-car trains currently used on the Blue Line. According to him, the rail line will run along the Agbado to Oyingbo corridor, easing movement across key parts of the state.

He further disclosed that the state had completed the signing-off process for the Red Line rolling stock during a recent official trip abroad, adding that efforts were ongoing to extend the rail service into neighbouring Ogun State to accommodate more commuters.

The governor noted that similar investments had previously been made in the Blue Line, with additional rolling stock already procured to strengthen operations.

Highlighting broader transport reforms, Sanwo-Olu said the rail project is part of a comprehensive multi-modal strategy integrating rail, road, and water transportation to improve mobility and support economic growth in Lagos.

He also referenced ongoing developments in the waterways sector, particularly the Omi Eko project, which is expected to introduce high-capacity electric boats within the next year to complement existing transport systems.

Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that the combined transport initiatives would boost productivity and enhance revenue generation for the state.