The Federal Government says it is targeting December to commission the Kaduna-Kano railway project, with about 90 per cent of the work completed.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funso Adebiyi, disclosed this during a train trip from Jaji in Kaduna State to Kano, saying the government was working to overcome outstanding challenges, including insecurity and compensation claims.
The 203-kilometre project is expected to provide uninterrupted rail connectivity between Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria and Kano when completed.
Adebiyi said about 178 kilometres of the project had been completed, while compensation issues arising from land acquisition in Kaduna State remained a major obstacle to finishing the section linking Jaji to the Abuja-Kaduna railway corridor.
He assured that the outstanding claims would be prioritised on his return to Abuja, adding that President Bola Tinubu was committed to completing the project as soon as possible.
Adebiyi expressed satisfaction with the quality of work, particularly the rail alignment, embankment protection, soil stabilisation and compaction. He said the smooth journey from Zaria to Kano showed that the work had been carried out in line with specifications.
He added that the railway projects connecting Kano to Kazaure, Daura and Katsina were also expected to be completed by December.
Meanwhile, the Emir of Zazzau, Nuhu Ahmad Bamalli, welcomed the return of railway services to Zaria, describing it as a milestone that revived the historic relationship between rail transport and the Zazzau Emirate.
The monarch recalled travelling from Zaria to Bauchi in 1949 to see a train for the first time, describing the experience as a memorable part of the area's railway history.
He appealed to the Federal Government to name the proposed railway extension after his grandfather in recognition of his role in the establishment of railway services in Kaduna State.
Bamalli urged Adebiyi to convey the request to the Minister of Transportation and Tinubu, expressing hope that it would receive favourable consideration.
The emir also called on the authorities to address outstanding land acquisition concerns and ensure that affected communities' interests were properly considered.
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