Femi Ashekun/
The Lagos State Government has disclosed that the Red Line Rail system, when fully operational, is projected to transport more than 500,000 passengers daily, marking a major leap in the state’s drive towards a multimodal transport network.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the announcement during an interview with reporters at Lagos House, Marina, where he confirmed the acquisition of 24 additional train coaches from China to boost capacity on the corridor.
According to the governor, the new rolling stock will significantly expand the system’s efficiency, with the Red Line designed to operate eight-car trains, doubling the capacity of the existing Blue Line, which runs four-car sets.
The 27-kilometre Red Line, which runs from Oyingbo to Agbado, is expected to complete up to 37 trips daily once fully operational, forming a key backbone of Lagos’ broader multimodal transport strategy that integrates rail, road, and water transport systems.
Sanwo-Olu noted that discussions are already ongoing to extend the Red Line further into neighbouring Ogun State, a development expected to deepen regional connectivity and ease commuter pressure between both states.
He explained that the expansion aligns with Lagos State’s long-term transport master plan, designed to support economic growth by improving the movement of people and reducing congestion across major urban corridors.
“The beauty of the Red Line is that it is twice as large as the Blue Line. While the Blue Line operates four-car trains, the Red Line will run eight-car trains. At full capacity, it will be able to move up to 500,000 passengers daily along the corridor from Agbado to Oyingbo,” the Governor said.
He added that the state is also advancing its water transport agenda through the Omi-Eko project, which will introduce high-capacity electric boats by 2027 to strengthen ferry operations and provide additional commuting options for residents.
Sanwo-Olu further stated that the integration of rail, road, and waterways is expected to enhance productivity, reduce travel time, and improve revenue generation for Lagos State.
He recalled that similar investments had already been made in the Blue Line, with additional rolling stock procured earlier, adding that the same level of commitment was being extended to the Red Line to ensure long-term sustainability of the rail system.
The potential extension into Ogun State is widely seen as a strategic move that could transform daily commuting patterns across the Lagos-Ogun economic corridor, one of the busiest in West Africa.
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