The Enugu State Government has announced plans to construct a 135.5-kilometre standard gauge rail line aimed at connecting major cities in the South-East to the Onne Port in Rivers State.
Speaking on Enugu Kwenu, a programme aired on Afia TV, the Commissioner for Transportation, Obi Ozor, revealed that a feasibility study has already been completed for the ambitious state-owned project.
“The line we are about to build is state-owned. It is a 135.5km standard gauge line that connects Enugu to all major cities in the South-East,” Ozor stated.
“You are going to see a proper connection to Anambra through Ugwuoba, and a connection to Ebonyi through the Amechi Idodo axis. And of course, connections to Umuahia, Abia, and Owerri through the line that passes through Nkanu West to Isiagu and goes all the way to Onne Port.”
The project is part of Enugu’s broader strategy to become a key trade and export hub, leveraging the new rail line to streamline cargo movement and boost exports of agro-commodities.
“As part of turning Enugu State into a hub, rail is a critical component to enable the movement of agro-commodities from their sources all the way to the port for export and earning of foreign exchange,” Ozor explained.
He emphasized that the railway will not only support passenger travel but also significantly ease cargo movement, especially for goods originating from states like Delta. A market station is also planned at the Holy Ghost Transport Terminal in Enugu to serve both freight and passengers.
The commissioner added that an inland container port is also in the works to further support agro-product processing for both the South-East and North-East regions.
Highlighting the region’s untapped mineral wealth, Ozor said, “We have a lot of wealth locked beneath our soil, such as coal. We need to exploit them to generate significant revenue, and rail is critical to achieving this.”
Although the Federal Government is working on its own rail extension from Aba to Enugu, Ozor clarified that the state’s initiative is entirely independent and aligns with Enugu’s long-term economic goals.
