KR undertakes rehabilitation of Nairobi Commuter Rail to modernize rail transport system, decongest roads
By MyGov Reporter
The Kenya Railways Corporation has embarked on the rehabilitation of the Nairobi Commuter Rail (NCR) network to modernize the Nairobi Commuter rail transport system and decongest roads in the City.
This project involves the rehabilitation of the railway lines, upgrading of halts to mini stations, modernizing the Nairobi Central Railway Station and increasing the rolling stock as part of the Nairobi Commuter Rail of the Nairobi Metropolitan Transport Masterplan.
Speaking while commissioning the Nairobi Commuter Rail (NCR) Project and the Madaraka Express Premium Class Service, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the project is geared towards decongesting roads within the Nairobi metropolitan besides providing passengers with safe, reliable and affordable transport services in and around Nairobi city.
Chirchir said the Nairobi Commuter Rail (NCR) project encompasses the rehabilitation and upgrade of a total of 139 km of railway track.
The CS said track rehabilitation works were undertaken to improve the riding comfort of the commuters, increase safety of operations and reduce the transit time for the trips by eliminating speed restrictions.
“The Nairobi Commuter Railway network is divided into four corridors which includes, Line One, the Nairobi Central Railway Station– Kikuyu which has a length of 31 km and it has two intermediate stations; Kibera and Dagoretti” the Cs said.
Chirchir said Line Two include Makadara – Ruiru with a length of 26 km and it has four intermediate stations; Dandora, Mwiki, Githurai and Kahawa.
The CS further said Line Three include the Nairobi Central Station– Konza and has a length of 75 kilometres and is being rehabilitated to improve the access to the Konza Technopolis City adding that the line has seven intermediate stations; Makadara, Imara Daima, Embakasi, Athi River, Lukenya, Kapiti and Stony Athi.
Line Four, the CS added includes Makadara – Embakasi Village with a length of 7.2 km and has two intermediate stations; Donholm and Pipeline.
“The World Bank has pledged Sh65 billion towards the construction of fifty-eight kilometers of new rail network which will transform the commuter experience with a target of transporting a hundred thousand passengers daily by the end of the 2024/2025 Financial Year up from the current twenty thousand”, the Cs noted.
Kenya Railways, Chirchir said, has constructed NCR stations and modernized the NairobiRailwayCentralStation, Ruiru,Githurai,Mwiki,Dandora,Kariobangi,Lukenya,Kitengela,Aviation,Mutindwa,KenyattaUniversity,Satellite, Gitaru,Mlolongo and Konza.
Other rail stations whose modernization is on-going under the NCR project, Chrichir said, include Kibera, Makongeni, Mutuini, Thogoto, Kariobangi and Gitambaya.
“The Government plans to complete thirty-two new stations along the railway line, which will significantly boost our capacity of commuters within the Nairobi metropolis.
He added that KR has already have rehabilitated between 300 - 500 Meter Gauge Railway coaches at the Nairobi Workshop and acquired Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) which are under operation providing reliable, safe and comfortable modern rail transport services.
“The Kenya Railways is also underway with the construction of the Ultra-Modern Carriage and Wagon (CXR) Workshop.
The CS further revealed that in July 2024, the Kenya Railways received a batch of new passenger service rolling stock which included, one dining car, four Premium Class, four First Class, ten Economy Class coaches and one Power car.
“Guided by our vision of providing a world-class rail service, Kenya Railways has elevated the rail travel experience with the introduction of an exclusive Premium Class service. These premium coaches are designed with the discerning traveler in mind, featuring: optimized seating arrangement with each coach limited to twenty passengers, guaranteeing ample legroom and personal space and maximum comfort throughout the journey” Chrichir said.
Other features, the CS said include, additional storage options to cater for the needs of travelers with extra baggage providing a hassle-free travel experience, seats designed for ultimate relaxation and can fully recline akin to a bed with configurations that support privacy and work, allowing passengers to rest or remain productive on transit.
The coaches, Chitrchir said, are incorporated with automated window shutters and seats that can rotate to face any direction introducing a new level of sophistication and convenience in rail travel.
Chirchir said the Premium Class coach will be segregated from other compartments to ensure a tranquil and private environment while passengers will be treated to complimentary beverages and sumptuous meals on board.
“A dedicated train crew team, trained for Premium Class services will be on hand to attend to passengers' needs ensuring a personalized and memorable journey and an array of entertainment pieces ranging from music, comic among others and configured with WiFi to stay connected along the journey” the CS said.
He added that passengers will enjoy exclusive access to VIP lounges and benefit from priority boarding and disembarkation at the terminals.