In transportation news, the Lagos Blue Line rail system has recorded an impressive milestone, transporting 2.37 million passengers within 15 months of its launch.
The first phase of the Lagos Blue Line, spanning 13 kilometres from Marina to Mile 2, became operational in September 2023.
John Zhao, a senior official of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), disclosed this achievement through his official social media account.
“On September 4, the Lagos Light Rail Blue Line Phase 1 celebrated its first year of operation,” Zhao wrote.
“Built and operated by CCECC, this phase spans 13 kilometres, including 8.1 kilometres of elevated bridges and a 530-metre sea-crossing bridge.
“Since its official launch, it has safely transported 2.37 million passengers, providing residents with a more convenient and comfortable transportation option.”
The Lagos Blue Line is a flagship project of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) system, which aims to revolutionise public transportation in Nigeria’s most populous state.
By its first anniversary in September 2024, the system had already moved 1.6 million passengers, further underscoring its critical role in alleviating the transportation challenges faced by Lagos residents.
The success of Phase 1 is paving the way for the construction of Phase 2, a 14-kilometre extension from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.
According to Olasunkanmi Okusaga, Director of Rail Transport at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), approximately 27% of Phase 2 had been completed as of December 2024.
This phase will include six additional stations and the demolition of the Mazamaza Bridge to make way for new infrastructure capable of supporting rail operations.
LAMATA has assured Lagosians that the new bridges and facilities will have a lifespan of over 75 years, ensuring durability and safety.
The Lagos Blue Line project is part of broader efforts to modernise Lagos’ transportation system and reduce reliance on road transport, which is often plagued by traffic congestion.
