http://www.premiumtimesng.com/arts-entertainment/208934-travels-calabar-light-rail-ready-use.html

https://www.today.ng/news/national/169835/buhari-inaugurate-multi-billion-naira-calabar-monorail

The multi-billion Naira Calabar Light rail project, the first in Nigeria, would soon be inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The 12-car monorail system, when fully operational, would use an Intamin P8 electric powered passenger shuttle train to convey passengers from Tinapa Resort, across Lake Tinapa to Calabar International Conference Centre (CICC).

The light rail project has three stations, Tinapa, Tinapa Lakeside Hotel and the Calabar International Conference Centre.

The monorail would also allow access to Studio Tinapa, Tinapa Shopping Centre and Tinapa waterpark as well as provide a quick alternative access to Summit Hills.

Built by Ponet TFZE, the train with a cruising speed of about 40 kilometres per hour, has 12 cars, including 10 passenger and two equipment cars.

Each car is primed for seven to eight passengers all seated, while the train’s length, width and height are approximately 38, 1.95 and 2.2 metres, respectively.

When fully operational, the electric-powered air-conditioned train with 1.62 metres height approximately in its passenger compartment, would provide a 24-hour service.

Gov. Ben Ayade had recently told journalists in Calabar that Buhari would inaugurate the train to mark his first year in office.
Ayade announced this during a second test ride of the train to ensure that the project was ready for inauguration.

The governor said the launching of the monorail would be a step toward boosting the economy and expand employment opportunities in the state..

He said the state government was determined to extend the facility to Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, as panacea to envisaged congestion of the city centre through rapid investments inflow.

The parking space at the train’s take-off point at Tinapa can conveniently accommodate 150 cars.

Mr Mba Mba, the station’s Electrical Engineer, said the light rail project was completed in December last year.

“Right now, the Calabar Monorail is ready for use pending inauguration by appropriate authorities.

“We have test-run the system and confirmed its readiness. Gov. Ben Ayade was here with his team to see for himself what is on ground.

“Tourists troop here on daily basis to take a ride. But they were disappointed as they were turned back.

“ We always give the excuse that although services are ready, they can only have their way when it is officially inaugurated.

“School children on excursions, families and other curious residents, who have not seen this kind of train before, have been coming to feed their eyes and seeking to take a ride.’’

Mr Christian Ita, Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Ayade, also confirmed that the project was completed.

“It is awaiting inauguration; we are waiting for a date from the presidency for its inauguration,’’ he said.

Good to know

The PDP would choose to celebrate Miscreants like Fayose and Modu Sheriff, a quiet and Performing Governor Ayade of same PDP chooses to look beyond party affiliations and partner with the FG to develop his state.

Kudos to Governor Ayade, he has beaten Ambode to this and Nyesom Wike who was given the same project by Amaechi 90% completed

I don't think this project will benefit the poor masses in any way.

divinehand2003:
I don't think this project will benefit the poor masses in any way.

Anything that boosts tourism in a place is very good for the locals. Who will be the tour guides, the food providers, the drinks sellers, the taxi drivers, the railway staff, the receptionists, etc, that will be catering to tourists? Is it not the locals?

Meanwhile, like joke like joke, the country is slowly developing into a place with some decent infrastructure here and there... The Abuja-Kaduna rail network being a case in point.

Rossikki:
Anything that boosts tourism in a place is very good for the locals. Who will be the tour guides, the food providers, the drinks sellers, the taxi drivers, the railway staff, the receptionists, etc, that will be catering to tourists? Is it not the locals?

You have a point there but if you've been to Tinapa recently, you would then realize that this is another money wasting white elephant project that won't bless the lives of the masses. The dreams of having Tinapa back then when the construction began has been dashed. Most of the stores are empty, no visitors anymore. Why bother wasting more cash on an investment that won't yield returns.

Buhari only inaugurating projects handled by the inept past administration. .Buhari kontinu ooo

divinehand2003:


You have a point there but if you've been to Tinapa recently, you would then realize that this is another money wasting white elephant project that won't bless the lives of the masses. The dreams of having Tinapa back then when the construction began has been dashed. Most of the stores are empty, no visitors anymore. Why bother wasting more cash on an investment that won't yield returns.

but why...why is tinapa not what it used to be

divinehand2003:


You have a point there but if you've been to Tinapa recently, you would then realize that this is another money wasting white elephant project that won't bless the lives of the masses. The dreams of having Tinapa back then when the construction began has been dashed. Most of the stores are empty, no visitors anymore. Why bother wasting more cash on an investment that won't yield returns.

But a major reason for the low turnout at Tinapa was the poor transport links, which the monorail helps solve. Watch the place pick up now.

Rossikki:
But a major reason for the low turnout at Tinapa was the poor transport links, which the monorail helps solve. Watch the place pick up now.

Lol
I dey laugh oooo.
Have you been to Obudu cattle ranch which is located in the northern part of cross river state before? We know that the roads linking Obalinko to other adjoining towns are in a bad state but the patronage to the ranch is still nice.
Get those shops in Tinapa running again the way it's proposed to run, then patronage will improve massively. Not the roads or monorails.

I commend the project. However, i dont think it is a project for the masses. The monorails links only the conference center and tinapa resort which are less than 2 kilometers apart. It just crosses the river from the conference center and stops at tinapa resort. Tinapa resort is dying now. Am not sure how much patronage the conference center will get either considering its location. The priority of this project was slightly misplaced.

This is a good development.

[s]

diegwu01:
The PDP would choose to celebrate Miscreants like Fayose and Modu Sheriff, a quiet and Performing Governor Ayade of same PDP chooses to look beyond party affiliations and partner with the FG to develop his state.

[/s]
shatap there you talk like a kid

did buhari build the monorail?
abi the monorail was built within a year
zombies talking like kids

apc commissioning GEJ project since 2015

nonsense!!!

[s]

diegwu01:
Kudos to Governor Ayade, he has beaten Ambode to this and Nyesom Wike who was given the same project by Amaechi 90% completed

[/s]

shame!!!

Rossikki:
Anything that boosts tourism in a place is very good for the locals. Who will be the tour guides, the food providers, the drinks sellers, the taxi drivers, the railway staff, the receptionists, etc, that will be catering to tourists? Is it not the locals?

Pls teach d dunce .