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Makadara train station opened


Former Prime Minister on Monday opened the Makadara railway station.

The station  is part of the Nairobi Commuter Rail project which seeks to decongest roads in the city.

It will serve residents who use Jogoo Road from Buruburu, Makadara, Donholm and nearby estates. It is expected to handle 5, 000 commuters.

26 railway stations  are to be built under the Commuter  Rail Project.

Work at the Imara Daima station is also complete and it will be opened this week. It is set to serve 2,000 commuters.

Extension of the 6.5 railway from Embakasi to JKIA will commence next month.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga called on the government to build a railway station at Kasarani Sports Complex if Nairobi it to realize the full potential of the stadiums.

“The reason that stadium barely fills during matches is the absence of reliable public transport,” said Mr Odinga when he presided over the commissioning of the Makadara Railway Station, Monday.

He warned that the other cities in the region have been investing heavily in infrastructure and Nairobi’s position is under threat.

“Traffic chaos is killing business in Nairobi. Nairobi’s potential is crippled by lack of adequate infrastructure. It has overcrowded roads, rising population, pollution and a congested airport,” he added.

Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke said that one million people commute in and out of the county every day.

A return ticket at the Makadara station during peak hours will cost Sh80 and Sh60 off-peak. The ride will however take a comparatively less period of about 15 minutes to the CBD.

On Wednesday, President Daniel arap Moi is expected to commission the Imara Daima Station which is also complete.

This will see the train operate from Syokimau to Imara, Makadara and terminate at the CBD.