As part of efforts to ease movement in the state capital, the multi-billion Naira Calabar Light rail project will soon be inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The 12-car monorail system, when fully operational, will use an Intamin P8 electric powered passenger shuttle train to convey passengers from Tinapa Resort across Lake Tinapa to Calabar International Conference Centre.
The light rail project has three stations, Tinapa, Tinapa Lakeside Hotel and the Calabar International Conference Centre.
The monorail will also allow access to Studio Tinapa, Tinapa Shopping Centre and Tinapa water park as well as provide a quick alternative access to Summit Hills.
Built by Ponet TFZE, the train, with a cruising speed of about 40 kilometres per hour, has 12 cars, including 10 passengers and two equipment cars.
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.
When fully operational, the electricity-powered air-conditioned train with 1.62 metres height approximately in its passenger compartment, will provide a 24-hour service.
Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River had recently told journalists in Calabar that Buhari would inaugurate the train.
Ayade announced this during a second test ride of the train to ensure that it was ready for inauguration.
