ABIA, NRC SIGN PACT FOR ACCESS ROAD ACROSS RAIL CORRIDOR

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The Abia State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to facilitate the construction of an access road across the railway corridor in Umuahia, the state capital.

The proposed road will link **Okpara Square and Akanu Ibiam Street, popularly known as Goodshed, to Bende Road**, as part of efforts to improve movement and ease traffic congestion around the area.

Governor Alex Otti said the project formed part of a broader plan to give Umuahia a facelift and improve the city’s transportation infrastructure.

He said the government was also working towards integrating the railway station with a bus terminal to create a transportation hub that would improve connectivity within the state.

Otti directed the commissioners for Transport and Works, alongside the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority and other relevant officials, to work with the NRC to ensure the project is delivered promptly.

The governor also appealed to the NRC to consider increasing the number of trains operating on the Port Harcourt-Aba route, saying improved rail services would complement the state’s investment in road and public transportation.

He noted that Abia had recently expanded its public transport system with the introduction of additional electric buses, with more buses expected to arrive.

The governor further directed officials to work with the NRC on the relocation of an existing police station located within the railway corridor. A new railway station design incorporating a police facility is also expected to be developed.

The agreement marks another step in Abia’s efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and integrate road and rail services as part of its broader urban development plans.