By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Lagos State has received three new train sets for its Blue Line Rail, marking a major milestone in the city’s drive to modernize public transport and reduce traffic congestion. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the delivery on Thursday, confirming that each train set comprises four coaches, adding 12 more coaches to the electric-powered fleet.
The announcement was accompanied by a video showing the trains being offloaded and transferred from the port to rail facilities. “This means shorter wait times and more comfortable trips,” Sanwo-Olu said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to easing daily commutes.
Since launching passenger service in September 2023, the Blue Line has grown from 12 to 54 trips per day, transporting nearly 2 million passengers within its first year. Stretching 13 kilometers between Marina and Mile 2, with five operational stations, the line is set to expand to Okokomaiko by 2026—doubling its route.
The new coaches are expected to relieve overcrowding and improve service reliability, crucial in a city where traffic gridlock dominates daily life. As part of Lagos’ broader transport reforms, including the forthcoming Red Line, the Blue Line’s expansion highlights a growing push for sustainable, efficient urban transit in sub-Saharan Africa’s largest city.
