Aluminium-bodied CRRC diesel trains launched in Nigeria, connecting Abuja with suburbs

Nigeria has officially launched a new fleet of 12 four-car diesel trains manufactured by CRRC Corporation Ltd. on the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) line. This 45-kilometre double-track route, connecting the capital Abuja to its airport and surrounding satellite cities, is now fully operational with 12 stations along the way.

The aluminium-bodied trains, each capable of carrying up to 700 passengers and reaching speeds of 100 km/h, are specifically designed to withstand Nigeria's high temperatures and sandstorm conditions. This marks a significant milestone in the country's transportation infrastructure.

Aluminium is poised to replace traditional metals with its lightweight, corrosion resistance, formability, and high specific strength. Its use can reduce the overall weight of a rail car body by 50 per cent, making it a crucial material in the railway industry's ongoing transformation.

The ARMT line has been under construction since 2007, with the involvement of the Chinese construction giant China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). Funded by loans from the Export-Import Bank of China, the first section of the line opened in 2018. It was initially serviced by CRRC's three-car electric multiple units (EMUs). However, with the overhead catenary system incomplete, the EMUs were temporarily hauled by diesel locomotives.

The construction of the ARMT line, which has been underway since 2007, faced a significant setback in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, following a comprehensive project review and infrastructure refurbishment, the construction resumed in May 2024, demonstrating the project's resilience and commitment to completion.

CRRC Corporation Ltd. has emerged as a key player in Nigeria's rail sector, providing diesel locomotives, passenger coaches, and metro trains. The company's decision to establish a production facility in Nigeria for freight cars further solidifies its position in its burgeoning transportation industry.

Nigeria's economy, Africa's largest in 2022, is expected to drop to fourth place this year. Meanwhile, according to forecasts from the International Monetary Fund, Egypt, which ranked first in 2023, is projected to fall to second place behind South Africa due to a series of currency devaluations.