In a new development for Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial hub, a much-anticipated metro rail service commenced its operations on Monday, marking a significant step towards alleviating the city’s traffic woes and facilitating smoother commuting for its residents.
After four decades since the inception of plans for a rail service, the inaugural phase of this 13-kilometer (8-mile) Blue Line project has finally welcomed its first passengers. Constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corp, the Blue Line now connects the densely populated mainland area of Lagos with the affluent Lagos Island, home to numerous businesses and corporate headquarters.
Lagos, with its staggering population exceeding 20 million, has long grappled with chronic traffic gridlock, subjecting both motorists and commuters to excruciating hours of congestion. However, the introduction of this new metro service promises a remarkable reduction in travel times. Previously, a journey that consumed over two hours can now be completed in just 15 minutes, as confirmed by Lagos state officials.
This represents the beginning of a transformative transportation project, with the second phase of the rail system scheduled to commence construction later this year. Upon its completion, this metro service is projected to accommodate approximately 500,000 passengers daily, according to officials.
The inaugural train of the Blue Line carried not only passengers but also Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on a journey from Marina in the city center to the Mile 2 area on the mainland, completing the commute in roughly 15 minutes with stops at five stations.
One enthusiastic new commuter, Garuba Olawale, expressed, “Before now, it takes one hour plus from Marina to Mile 2 or from Mile 2 down to Marina because of the huge traffic. Sometimes the road will block you.”
Lagos, already grappling with the challenges of rapid population growth that has strained its infrastructure and housing, faces the prospect of becoming the world’s most populous city by 2100, according to some estimates. Recognizing the critical need for improved mass transportation, the city is embracing a multifaceted approach that includes expanding train services, dedicated bus lanes, and an enhanced ferry network to efficiently serve its vast population dispersed across both mainland and island areas nestled between lagoons and the Atlantic Ocean.
With this new metro rail system in place, Lagos anticipates a significant reduction in commuting hardships for its residents, a crucial step forward in addressing the complex transport demands of one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic cities. The second phase of the project promises to further enhance the city’s transportation landscape, ensuring that Lagos can meet the challenges of its ongoing urbanization and population growth.
