- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has extended the number of trips on the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS).
This was made known in a statement issued on Tuesday by the NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu.
According to the statement, the increased in number of trips was borne out of the growing passenger demand on the corridor.
The new timetable for the advanced trips is slated to take effect from Friday, March 6, 2026, and is aimed at providing more travel options.
This, according to Unyimadu, will also enhance operational flexibility, and strengthen service delivery on the busy route.
The NRC spokesperson recalled that the corridor had earlier experienced operational disruptions following the March 28, 2022 bomb blast and the August 26, 2025 derailment.
The, he maintained, led to a reduction in rolling stock from three to one, the introduction of Temporary Speed Restrictions (TSR) for safety, and an adjustment in the number of daily trips.
He however declared that stability has been restored with passengers now set to enjoy three trips on from Fridays to Sundays while the two trips restriction will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“With stability now restored and in response to sustained passenger demand, the Corporation has expanded services to better meet the expectations of commuters, in addition to the earlier relaxation of some temporary speed restrictions.
“Under the revised schedule, passengers travelling from Idu and Rigasa will now enjoy three trips on Fridays and Sundays, as well as on Saturdays and Mondays, while two trips will continue to operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“Specifically, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Idu-Rigasa service departs Idu at 8:45 a.m. and returns from Rigasa at 2:30 p.m.
“On Fridays and Sundays, three trips operate with departures from Idu at 7:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., and from Rigasa at 11:30 a.m.
“On Saturdays and Mondays, services depart Rigasa at 7:15 a.m and 3:00 p.m., and from Idu at 11:00 a.m., with all trains making scheduled stops at Kubwa.” He announced.
Unyimadu urged passengers to take note of the new timetable and plan their journeys accordingly.
He reiterated the NRC’s commitment to improving capacity, reliability, safety, and overall passenger experience across its network.