The Director General of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), Engr. Inuwa Ibrahim, has called for comprehen...
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Engr. Ibrahim said recent incidents, including the train derailment along the Warri-Itakpe rail corridor in Delta State, which reportedly claimed lives and left several passengers injured, underscore the urgent need for systematic improvements in railway safety and management.
According to him, train derailments in Nigeria are caused by several factors, including defective rail tracks, human error, mechanical failures, environmental conditions, communication breakdowns, overloading, and acts of vandalism and sabotage.
He explained that damaged or cracked tracks can create instability and lead to derailments, while human errors such as overspeeding, poor interpretation of signal systems and inadequate training of operators also contribute significantly to railway accidents.
DG further noted that mechanical failures, including faulty braking systems and engine defects, remain major concerns in rail operations.
He added that environmental factors such as landslides, flooding and excessive heat can cause rail tracks to expand and buckle, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
Engr. Ibrahim also highlighted the importance of effective communication systems, especially on single-track rail corridors such as the Kaduna-Abuja route, where trains moving in opposite directions rely heavily on coordinated signalling to avoid collisions.
He warned against overloading of train coaches, noting that exceeding the designed passenger capacity of coaches places excessive pressure on rail infrastructure and increases the likelihood of derailments.
The transport expert also identified vandalism and sabotage as major threats to rail safety, explaining that tampering with locomotive components, braking systems and other critical infrastructure could have devastating consequences.
To address these challenges, he advocated regular maintenance of rail infrastructure, deployment of modern technology, advanced training for railway personnel, improved security measures and stronger anti-vandalism mechanisms.
On the issue of vendors and pedestrians encroaching on railway tracks, Engr. Ibrahim stressed the need for stronger policies, public awareness campaigns and strict enforcement of railway right-of-way regulations to protect lives and ensure safe rail operations.
He disclosed that the Federal Government is currently advancing plans for the construction of a 50-kilometre light rail system in Kaduna State.
According to him, the project will connect major parts of the state capital and integrate with the Kaduna-Abuja rail service to improve urban mobility and boost economic activities.
The DG expressed optimism that with proper policies, adequate investment and modern safety measures, Nigeria's railway sector could become safer, more efficient and capable of meeting the country's growing transportation needs.
No comments