By Olabusayo Ojo
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has confirmed the acquisition of 24 new coaches from China for the Red Line Rail, saying the move will strengthen the state’s multimodal transport system and ease commuting for residents.
Speaking with State House correspondents at Lagos House, Marina, on Wednesday, the governor said the new trains will operate with eight cars each, double the four-car configuration currently used on the Blue Line.
“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,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He explained that the addition is designed to support the 27-kilometre Red Line corridor from Oyingbo to Agbado, which targets up to 37 daily trips and over 500,000 passengers daily at full capacity.
The governor disclosed that discussions are ongoing to extend the Red Line further into neighbouring Ogun State to accommodate more commuters. He said the rail expansion is part of Lagos’ broader multimodal transport master plan, which integrates road and waterways.
On water transport, Sanwo-Olu said the Omi-Eko water transport project is progressing, with high-capacity electric boats expected to be deployed by 2027 to boost ferry services.
“By this time next year, residents will begin to see increased activity on our waterways with the deployment of electric boats to complement existing transport systems,” he said.
He noted that additional rolling stock had earlier been procured for the Blue Line, adding that similar investments are being replicated on the Red Line to strengthen the state’s rail infrastructure.
The governor said the integration of rail, road, and water transport is designed to ensure efficient movement across Lagos while supporting economic growth, improving productivity, and boosting internally generated revenue.
