Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said on Wednesday that the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri standard gauge rail lines would commence commercial activities in August.
He told journalists in Abuja that the ministry was putting in place all the necessary facilities to ensure that the rail lines started operation.
He said that seven coaches were expected to arrive the country on January 11, for rail transportation.
According to him, the Federal Government hoped to complete the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri, Lagos-Ibadan, Lagos-Kano, as well as the Lagos-Port Harcourt standard gauge line before December.
Amaechi said that the Lagos-Ibadan rail line is being obstructed due to water pipes, sewer pipes and gas pipes across the rail corridor, which must be removed.
He said that he would meet with the Lagos State Government to deliberate on how these challenges could be resolved to increase the progress of work.
He further said that the government had approved that the rail line should get to Niger Republic, which would resolve the transportation challenge of those importing goods.
