The Lagos State Government is working towards launching the first phase of the Okokomaiko – Marina (Blue Line) Light Rail Mass Transit for operation early 2014, Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola has disclosed.

“The first phase is between National theatre and Mile 2; that was actually awarded in 2010 and we are hoping that by 2014 that phase will be finished and then move on from Mile 12 to Okokomaiko and then come back to National Theatre to construct the infrastructure to Marina,” he said in an interview.

The first phase, from the National Theatre, Iganmu Lagos to Mile 12, is a seven-kilometre distance with stops at Iganmu, Alaba and Mile 2.
Dr. Mobereola said due to the huge capital outlay, construction of the rail project was divided into three phases, the first of which is the survey, design, preparation of construction yard and the rail infrastructure between National Theatre and Mile 2.

He described the quality of work done so far as good noting; “it will stand the test of time. Railway is not something that is for 5 years, 10 years. In most cases it is built to last 50 to 100 years. So we have to ensure that the quality of work is very good.”

“The good thing is that we have a contractor has been building new Railway system for the past 50 years in their country and other places, they know how to build a very good rail way system and the quality is commendable, it is very good and we are quite happy with it,” he added.

Dr. Mobereola stated that the rail project was being implemented under a public and private partnership: the state is building the infrastructure while the private sector will provide the rolling stock and management.

Speaking on how the rail system will boost economic activities, Dr. Mobereola said it will reduce the travel time from between two to three hours which is the average commute time from Okokomaiko to Marina to between 42-43 minutes, a development he described as a huge improvement for the people living on that axis and going to work in Marina.

He said the rail project will also benefit a broad spectrum of Nigerians going to school, hospital; generate economy development along that corridor, and ultimately employment, create housing schemes, industrial development as well as promote cross-border trade.
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I learnt they bought 20th century locomotives