Cancellation of Free Train Service
The Osun State Government has announced the cancellation of its annual Imole Free Train service for holidaymakers traveling to the state for the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir festival. The decision is attributed to a train accident that occurred on the Abeokuta-Lagos old gauge line, resulting in the blockage of the railway track. The cancellation of the free train service is a precautionary measure due to the ongoing repair work and the impossibility of train movement on the Lagos-Abeokuta line.
Technical Issues and Repair Work
According to a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Cooperatives, and Empowerment, Mrs. Kehinde Odediran, the Nigeria Railway Corporation has confirmed that the train track is currently inaccessible due to the accident and subsequent repair work. The technical issues faced by the corporation have necessitated the suspension of train services, including the Imole Free Train service, which traditionally transports hundreds of passengers from Lagos to Osun for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Future Resumption of Train Services
Despite the cancellation of the Imole Free Train service for this year’s festival, the Osun State Government expressed its commitment to providing the free train service during all festive seasons. The government emphasized that once the technical issues are resolved and the railway repairs are completed, normal train services, including the Imole Free Train service, will resume accordingly. The administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke aims to maintain the tradition of offering free train transportation to the people of Osun State during significant celebrations.
