Wale Jagun
The Lagos State Government has warned residents to stay away from the Blue Line Train tracks, as they are electrified and can kill trespassers.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, gave the warning on Wednesday while fielding questions from presenters on Arise Television Morning Show.
He explained that the newly commissioned Blue Rail Line will be the first of its kind in Africa, adding that it will be powered by its own electricity through a dedicated Independent Power Project (IPP) and about four power sources to avoid power outages.
“This is not the kind of Rail Tracks you can go and be displaying wares and goods to sell. That’s why the train tracks have been fenced off. There are notices all over the place telling people not to go near the tracks because they are electrified. For anybody who goes near the tracks, the person stands the risk of being electrocuted, which could prove fatal”, Omotosho said.
While stating that the Blue and Red Lines will reduce journey time and eliminate the stress of commuting, the Commissioner averred that the Rail fares will be affordable as transportation is not a revenue-generating means for the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.
On the question of maintenance, Omotoso revealed that the Blue and Red Lines will be run by people with experience and the needed expertise who have done high-level maintenance all over the world where you have these kind of facilities.
“Yesterday we rode on the train and got to the National Theatre in less than 10 minutes. The journey from Marina to Mile 2 that use to take two hours will now take 20 minutes. And not only that, the fare will be affordable, as we want the type of fare that won’t bring complaints among Lagosians. It will also provide employment opportunities, as many of our young people will also be provided jobs”, he said.
