Red line (Lagos)

Red line
Overview
Status	Operational
Termini	Oyingbo Marina
Stations	13 (9 operational, 4 under construction)
Service
Type	Rapid transit
System	Lagos Metro
History
Commenced	2009 (2009)
Opened	October 15, 2024 (2024-10-15)
Last extension	October 15, 2024 (2024-10-15)
Technical
Line length	37 km (23 mi)
Number of tracks	2
Character	Fully Elevated and At-Grade
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)

The Red Line is a service owned by the Lagos Rail Mass Transit

The second line, the Red Line, runs from Marina to Agbado. The line shares the right-of-way with the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway. Like the Blue Line, construction of the Red Line has been split into two phases. Once all sections are completed, the line will reach a length of 37 km. Like the Blue Line, this line is being constructed by CCECC..

In September 2023, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured residents that the first phase of the line was 95% complete and would be finished by the end of the year. A ceremonial inauguration was held in February 2024, but regular passenger service from Agbado to Oyingbo started only on October 15, 2024. This first phase is 27 km in length and has 8 stations. Construction of the second phase, which will extend the line to Marina Station and connected it to the Blue Line, is currently ongoing

History

The Red Line is a commuter rail system in Lagos, Nigeria, developed as part of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit initiative managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) Initially proposed in 2008, the rail system aimed to enhance transportation efficiency. Though construction of the Red Line officially began in 2021 costs estimate at $135 million. In January 2022, LAMATA acquired two Talgo VIII trains for the project and Intercity 125 High-Speed Trains (HSTs) from the UK in 2023, getting 11 locomotives and 11 coaches through the ROMIC Group. These trains were refurbished for use in Lagos' rail system. Contributing to its development, the Red Line was inaugurated on February 29 2024, and the first phase opened to the public on 15 October 2024. The 37-kilometre route runs from Agbado to Oyingbo. Unlike the electric-powered Blue Line, the Red Line operates with Diesel Multiple Units (DMU's) sharing tracks with the Lagos-Kanos Standard Gauge Railway. The project also includes 10 vehicular bridges and pedestrian crossing to support safe transit. Designed to improve mobility in Lagos, the Red Line is expected to contribute to reducing travel times and road congestion while facilitating urban transportation.

Development plan

Lagos State is financing construction of the Red Line with its own resources. The proposed advantages of the Red line are that is will allow commuters to spend less time travelling in the area by avoiding traffic jams which can take many hours to get through, whilst also being cheaper. A journey that would have taken two hours in traffic can now be taken in 15-30 minutes. The trains are electrified, and security has been provided to prevent vandalism.

Contractors

The contract was awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), with advisory services being provided by CPCS Transcom Limited.

Trains

The Red Line has two trains. In January 2022, LAMATA acquired two Talgo VIII trains for the project and Intercity 125 High-Speed Trains (HSTs) from the UK in 2023, getting 11 locomotives and 11 coaches through the ROMIC Group. These trains were refurbished for use in Lagos' rail system.

Timetable

Southbound Platform

Oyingbo	Yaba	Mushin	Oshodi	Ikeja	Agege	Iju	Agbado
6:00	6:08	6:14	6:20	6:29	6:36	6:45	6:50
7:30	7:38	7:44	7:50	7:59	8:06	8:15	8:20

Northbound Platform

Agbado	Iju	Agege	Ikeja	Oshodi	Mushin	Yaba	Oyingbo
6:30	6:37	6:45	6:53	7:01	7:08	7:13	7:20
7:10	7:17	7:25	7:33	7:41	7:48	7:53	8:00
8:40	8:47	8:55	9:03	9:11	9:18	9:23	9:30

Phase I

The 27 kilometre long phase costed around $135 million and took around 3 years to build had an Inauguration day In February 2024 and Testing services were held on August 28 to September 27 to ensure everything was working smoothly. Phase 1 commercial services were opened on opening day on the 15 October 2024 with the line stretching from Oyingbo to Agbado with stations such as Iju, Agege, Ikeja, MMIA Domestic Airport, Oshodi, Mushin and Yaba.

Phase II

Phase 2 is currently under construction stretching 10 kilometers with the line going from Oyingbo to Marina to interchange with the Blue Line. Stations include: Ebute Metta, Iddo and Ebute EroHowever plans to switch the terminal from Marina to National theatre have been suggested.