Nigeria's first electric light rail set to operate in Calabar(photos)

The Calabar electric light rail is finally ready for inauguration. Built by Ponet TFZE, the train with a cruising speed of about 40 kilometres per hour, has 12 cars – 10 passenger and two equipment cars.

The multi-billion Naira Calabar Light rail project, the first in Nigeria, would soon be inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari.


The 12-car monorail system, when fully operational, would use an Intamin P8 electric powered passenger shuttle train to convey passengers from Tinapa Resort, across Lake Tinapa to Calabar International Conference Centre (CICC).

The monorail would allow access to Studio Tinapa, Tinapa Shopping Centre and Tinapa waterpark as well as provide a quick alternative access to Summit Hills.

Each car is primed for seven to eight passengers all seated, while the train’s length, width and height are approximately 38,1.95 and 2.2 metres, respectively.

Mr Mba Mba, the station’s Electrical Engineer, said the light rail project was completed in December last year.

“Right now, the Calabar Monorail is ready for use pending inauguration by appropriate authorities.
“We have test-run the system and confirmed its readiness. Gov. Ben Ayade was here with his team to see for himself what is on ground.”

Governor Ben Ayade is doing everything to make sure the train lives up to expectation.