Passengers using the busy Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor have shared troubling accounts of overcrowding, ticket racketeering, and mechanical challenges during recent journeys, raising fresh concerns about the quality and reliability of the service.
Several commuters described what was supposed to be a relatively short trip between the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna as a stressful and exhausting experience. According to passengers, the journey—typically expected to last around two hours—stretched far longer, with some travelers forced to stand in crowded coaches for more than three hours.
Some passengers claimed that securing tickets through the official booking platform has become increasingly difficult. One traveler explained that attempts to buy tickets online often end in failure because the system is frequently unavailable or seats appear fully booked shortly after they become available.
The passenger alleged that he eventually obtained tickets through unofficial channels at a price significantly higher than the official fare. He also claimed the tickets issued carried different names and lacked proper seat assignments, leading to confusion and disputes among travelers during boarding.
On some trips, commuters reported that many passengers were forced to stand in the aisles due to a shortage of seats. Witnesses said the situation worsens during weekends when the number of travelers increases while train services remain limited.
Passengers noted that the number of daily trips on the corridor has dropped from several runs per day to fewer services, creating intense demand for available seats.
Beyond overcrowding, travelers also expressed alarm over mechanical issues during the trip. Some reported that the train experienced overheating problems, forcing staff to temporarily halt certain onboard systems while attempts were made to cool components supplying power to the coaches.
Passengers said these interruptions caused the train’s lights and air-conditioning systems to shut down intermittently, adding to the discomfort during the journey.
Officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) have rejected claims of overbooking, insisting that tickets are issued strictly according to available seats and that each ticket must be linked to a passenger’s identity details.
The agency also clarified that the cooling process observed by passengers involved the train’s power supply unit rather than the locomotive engine itself. According to the NRC, the power car occasionally requires cooling when it overheats.
Authorities added that operational adjustments introduced after a previous incident on the corridor have slightly extended travel time in order to enhance safety on the route.
