Kenya Railways Commissions Nairobi Commuter Rail Stations and the Madaraka Express Premium Class Service
By Our Reporter
The Kenyan government through the Ministry of Roads and Transport and the Kenya Railways Corporation on Wednesday celebrated a landmark achievement in the modernization of the country’s transport infrastructure with the commissioning of new stations under the Nairobi Commuter Rail (NCR) project and the launch of the Madaraka Express Premium Class service. These projects represent key milestones in the Nairobi Metropolitan Transport Master Plan, spearheaded by Kenya Railways, and reflect a broader effort to revolutionize public transport and reduce congestion in Nairobi.
In his remarks, Davis Chirchir, Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, emphasized the importance of modernizing the NCR system to provide safer, more reliable, and affordable transportation options for the people of Nairobi and its environs. He highlighted the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of the NCR network, which has become a critical part of efforts to address the city’s growing traffic and commuter challenges.
The Nairobi Commuter Rail (NCR) project involves the upgrading and rehabilitation of a 139-kilometer railway network across various corridors. This initiative focuses on improving the overall commuter experience by enhancing comfort, increasing safety, and reducing transit times. The rehabilitation also includes the removal of speed restrictions that have historically slowed down operations. The NCR network is divided into four main corridors: the 31-kilometer route from Nairobi Central Station to Kikuyu, the 26-kilometer route from Makadara to Ruiru, the 75-kilometer line connecting Nairobi Central Station to Konza, and the 7.2-kilometer corridor from Makadara to Embakasi Village.
The modernization of the NCR is expected to have a transformative impact on commuter traffic, particularly with the involvement of the World Bank, which has pledged Ksh 65 billion towards the construction of 58 kilometers of new rail tracks. This investment is poised to significantly boost the commuter experience, with the project aiming to increase the daily passenger count from the current 20,000 to an ambitious 100,000 by the end of the 2024/2025 financial year.
In addition to the rail line upgrades, Kenya Railways has also overseen the development of new commuter stations. Several key stations have already been completed, including Nairobi Central, Ruiru, Githurai, Mwiki, and Dandora, among others. The government is actively working to complete additional stations, such as those in Kibera, Makongeni, and Thogoto. In total, 32 new stations are planned, a development that will significantly increase the number of commuters who can access rail transport across the Nairobi metropolitan area.
To support these improvements, Kenya Railways has also rehabilitated between 300 and 500 coaches at its Nairobi Workshop, with the acquisition of modern Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) to ensure reliable and comfortable services for passengers. Furthermore, construction is underway for a state-of-the-art Carriage and Wagon Workshop, which will bolster the system’s long-term sustainability.
Another highlight of the day’s event was the launch of the Madaraka Express Premium Class service, a new offering designed to provide a luxurious rail travel experience. This exclusive service, launched in July 2024, includes a range of newly acquired rolling stock that caters to Premium Class, First Class, and Economy passengers. The introduction of the Premium Class represents a major leap forward in providing a world-class rail experience for travelers.
The Premium Class coaches feature optimized seating, with each coach limited to just 28 passengers, allowing for ample legroom and personal space. The seating arrangements are tailored to ensure maximum comfort, with seats that can fully recline, providing passengers the option to relax or even sleep during their journey. The coaches are designed with privacy and work-friendly configurations, making them suitable for both leisure and business travelers.
In addition to comfort, the coaches are equipped with modern amenities, such as automated window shutters and rotating seats, which introduce a new level of convenience and sophistication to rail travel. Passengers will also enjoy complimentary beverages and meals during their journey, served by a dedicated train crew trained to provide the highest level of service. Entertainment options, including music and comedy, are available, along with WiFi to ensure connectivity throughout the trip.
Moreover, Premium Class passengers are treated to exclusive access to VIP lounges and enjoy priority boarding and disembarkation privileges at all terminals, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience. This new service not only raises the bar for rail transport in Kenya but also reflects the government’s commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure and services to its citizens.
“The projects will not only alleviate congestion in Nairobi but will also enhance the quality of life for commuters and travelers alike.” concluded Chirchir.
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