Lagos gets new 24-car trains to boost Red Line capacity, cut commute time

Babajide Sanwo-Olu says Lagos State has taken delivery of a new set of 24-car trains to strengthen operations on the city’s Red Line rail corridor, in a move aimed at easing daily commuting.

The governor disclosed the development in a post on X on Thursday, noting that the additional trains would significantly improve the capacity of the existing fleet.

According to him, the upgrade is expected to reduce waiting times at stations and provide a smoother commuting experience for thousands of residents who rely on the rail system.

“We have received a new set of 24-car trains to strengthen the Lagos Red Line fleet,” Sanwo-Olu said, adding that the government remains committed to building an efficient and reliable transport system for the state’s growing population.

The Red Line, one of Lagos’ flagship urban rail projects, began commercial operations in October 2024 after being inaugurated earlier in the year by Bola Tinubu. Since then, it has become a critical alternative to road transport, especially along densely populated corridors.

Running from Agbado to Oyingbo, the rail line connects several major parts of the city, including Iju, Agege, Mushin, Oshodi and Yaba, areas known for heavy traffic and long commute times.

Rail expansion targets half a million daily passengers

With the addition of the new trains, the state government is looking to scale up the system’s capacity to meet rising demand. The Red Line is projected to transport up to 500,000 passengers daily, positioning it as a key solution to Lagos’ long-standing mobility challenges.

The investment reflects a broader push by the state to modernise public transportation and reduce reliance on road networks, which have struggled under increasing population pressure.

Officials say improving rail infrastructure will not only ease congestion but also enhance productivity by cutting travel time across key commercial and residential hubs.

Also read: Sanwo-Olu pushes structured pathway for youth leadership in Nigeria

As Lagos continues to expand, transport remains one of its biggest pressure points, and the success of projects like the Red Line could play a defining role in shaping how millions of people move around the city daily.