On January 24, 2023 times local time, the first phase of the Lagos Light Rail Blue Line Project in Nigeria was officially opened to traffic. President Buhari of Nigeria unveiled the opening of the project. The electric multiple units with international advanced level manufactured by CRRC Dalian Company officially carry passengers.

Buhari tried the first train and spoke highly of the safety, convenience and comfort of the Lagos Light Rail Blue Line.

President Buhari tried to ride the light rail

In his speech, the governor of Lagos, Babajid Sanvo Olu, said that the light rail will reduce commuting time and improve the quality of life of residents, and it will make Lagos one of the most dynamic megacities in Africa.

The Lagos Blue Line LRT EMU is based on the metro vehicle B-type technical platform, and the body is made of stainless steel. According to the climate characteristics of Lagos, Nigeria, the vehicle air conditioning system, on-board communication and signal interface, vehicle interior and exterior decoration schemes, etc. are optimized to adapt to the local rainy season weather, meet the personalized needs of customers, and the vehicle performance reaches the international advanced level. The bright and elegant appearance and exquisite interior technology will bring the local people a very comfortable and fast ride experience.

CRRC Dalian promotes its products and services to go global, go in and go up with the help of the the Belt and Road. Use mature and advanced Chinese rail transit equipment to benefit the local people, use CRRC wisdom to support and serve the operation of the Lagos Light Rail Blue Line, and provide CRRC power for the long-term and stable development of Nigeria.

The Blue Line LRT train drives into Marina Station

Lagos Light Rail Blue Line is the first electrified urban light rail in West Africa, with a total length of 27 kilometers and a total of 11 stations. The first phase of the Lagos Light Rail Blue Line, which is open to traffic this time, starts from the business center of Lagos Marina region in the east and ends at the eastern part of Badagri with the largest population density in the west, with a total of 13 kilometers and five stations, which can greatly alleviate the traffic pressure in Lagos and greatly promote the economic exchange and traffic development in the eastern and western regions of Lagos.

On the same day, Nigerian Lagos Governor Sanwoolu and General Manager of Civil Engineering of China Chen Sichang signed the second phase contract of Lagos Light Rail Blue Line, and Nigerian President Buhari witnessed the signing. Lai, Minister of Information and Culture of Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, and Jiang Yigao, Deputy General Manager of Civil Engineering of China, attended the ceremony.

Site of signing ceremony for Phase II of Lagos Light Rail Blue Line Project

The second phase of the Lagos Light Rail Blue Line in Nigeria has a total length of about 14 kilometers, with double-track track track laying, six new stations, and a design speed of 100 kilometers per hour. Starting from the Maitu station of the first phase of the light rail blue line, along the Badagri Expressway to the Okomoco depot. After the completion of the project, the first and second phases of the Lagos Light Rail Blue Line will have the conditions for the operation of the whole line, connecting the economic center of Lagos with the suburban residential areas. It is estimated that the daily passenger traffic volume will reach 300000 people, and will rise to 500000 people with the population development in the future, which will greatly alleviate the traffic pressure in Lagos, and improve the local economic vitality and sustainable development.Editor/Ma Xue