LAGOS STATE LAUNCHES BLUE RAIL LINE 

Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial hub, celebrated a significant milestone on Monday as the eagerly awaited Blue Rail Line project launched its first commercial operations.

After multiple postponements, the official commencement of the 27km Blue Line marks a major achievement. The entire Blue Line, spanning 27km, is poised to provide daily transportation for an estimated 500,000 passengers, offering much-needed relief to the over 20 million Lagos state residents grappling with transportation challenges.

The Blue Rail Line was conceived to revolutionize intra-city commuting in the state, aiming to reduce dependence on a single transportation mode that Lagos has long been associated with.

Announcing the official launch on his social media page, the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu declared a 50% fare reduction for the Blue Line. He also revealed that residents could utilize their public transport payment cards for metro travel, encouraging responsible use.

Highlighting key security features, the governor emphasized the Blue Line’s advanced security, including over 300 CCTV cameras and command centers at all stations, along with an independent power plant ensuring uninterrupted train operations.

The Blue Rail system is expected to cater to at least 250,000 daily commuters, significantly cutting travel time along the Mile 2-Marina corridor within Lagos State.

It’s worth recalling that Phase I of the Blue Line network, originally slated for completion in 2011, experienced numerous delays due to funding challenges and changes in government leadership.