In a recent development, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the suspension of Warri-Itakpe train services. The decision comes as a result of the poor condition of the track from Ujevwu in Delta State to Itakpe in Kogi State. The NRC issued a notice to customers, stating that train operations would be halted until Monday, July 8, 2024.
As reported by The Punch, the suspension, effective from Friday, was attributed to an obstruction on the track, causing concerns about the safety and efficiency of the train services. The NRC emphasized that the well-being of passengers and the smooth functioning of the railway system were of utmost importance.
“This is to officially notify our esteemed passengers that the Warri-Itakpe Train will not run today, Friday, 5th July 2024, due to the obstruction we have on our track. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and assure you that we are working diligently to address the issue,” the notice stated.
Passengers who had already booked their tickets online will be refunded, ensuring that their travel plans are not disrupted. The NRC is taking proactive measures to rectify the situation and resume normal train services promptly.
In a related incident, a coach of a train traveling from Itakpe to Ujevwu derailed near the Abraka rail station. The incident occurred around 7:15 pm on Thursday, sending shockwaves among the passengers. Witnesses reported that as the train approached Abraka in Delta State, the derailed coach caused the remaining coaches to be dragged along, creating a chaotic scene.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported in this incident, highlighting the importance of passenger safety and the swift response of railway authorities. Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the derailment and prevent such occurrences in the future.
It is worth recalling that the Federal Government introduced e-ticketing services for the Lagos-Ibadan and Itakpe-Warri train routes in October of last year. The e-ticketing system aimed to revolutionize the way passengers book and pay for their train tickets, eliminating the need for physical tickets or cash transactions. This modernization initiative aimed to enhance efficiency, convenience, and customer satisfaction.
As the NRC works diligently to address the track condition and resume services, passengers are encouraged to stay updated through official channels for any further developments regarding the Warri-Itakpe train route.
