Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced this development on Thursday, highlighting the significance of the project.

In a statement shared on X.com, Sanwo-Olu expressed enthusiasm about the new metro line, saying, “Lagos, yet another Metro line? Absolutely! The Green Line Metro is here.”

He emphasized that the Green Line will connect key areas such as Victoria Island, Lekki, and Marina, and is expected to carry over 500,000 passengers daily at launch, with capacity projected to exceed one million as demand grows.

State Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, previously mentioned that the state was actively seeking investors for the project.

The Green Line, spanning 68km from the Lekki Free Zone to Marina and linking with the existing Blue Line at Marina, aims to enhance Lagos’ transport infrastructure significantly.

Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that this initiative complements the Red Line, which has already begun partial operations, and is part of a broader Strategic Transport Masterplan designed to provide a fast, efficient, and interconnected transport network across the city.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority has outlined six rail systems in the state’s transport master plan, each identified by distinct colors including the Green, Purple, Yellow, Orange, Blue, and Red lines.

The first phase of this rail project extends from Marina to Mile 2, featuring five key stations: Marina, National Theatre, Iganmu, Alaba, and Orile.

The much-anticipated operations began from Marina, reaching Mile 2 Train Station, where Governor Sanwo-Olu took the very first ride at approximately 09:45 a.m.

During the initial month, the train will run a limited number of 12 trips using the locomotive system.

However, as part of its expansion plans, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) will soon introduce electric-powered train services, operating a total of 76 trips.

With a daily schedule from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., the system anticipates accommodating between 150,000 to 175,000 passengers.

Despite quick 90-second stops at each station, the state government’s transport palliative measures will be felt in the train services, ensuring a smooth and pleasant journey for commuters.

The Blue Line Rail project, conceived in 1983 during the administration of Lateef Jakande, was flagged off by then-Governor Bola Tinubu in 2023.

However, it’s only this year that the project has become a reality, marking a significant milestone in Lagos’s transportation infrastructure.

The Governor stated this while maintaining that the project would be delivered in the first quarter of next year (2023).

Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on Sunday while addressing newsmen at the Marina Train Station after inspection of works on the Blue Line rail project and stations at the National Theatre Iganmu, Orile, Suru Alaba, Mile 2, and Marina axis of the state.

The Governor’s press secretary, Gboyega Akosile in a statement quoted Sanwo-Olu saying, “This is the first time I am taking you on the blue line to see where we are. The first phase of the Blue line rail project starts from Mile 2 and terminates at Marina. Marina Station is an elevated station and it stretches out to outer Marina and terminates where the Governor’s residence is. At the end of the station, you could see that the track is broken into two bridges. The backtrack is for parking.

“We are happy that the contractors are working seven days a week. The major aspect apart from the Marina Station is a sea crossing from Eko Bridge to join the outer Marina. They would finish it in about three months. And by the time we will be coming back in July, the concrete construction should have been completed.”

According to the governor, who inspected the project alongside some members of his cabinet, officials of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and contractors handling the project, said the blue line rail would run on electric tracks with Electric Motor Vehicle (EMV). He, thus, asked Lagosians to keep off the train lines and avoid walking on them.

He said the Lagos State government will also acquire two sets of four train coaches from China between September and October. Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that they would be adequate security at every train station and platform with the use of CCTV.

The governor also condemned the level of vandalism along the rail corridors and warned perpetrators to desist from such evil acts. The government, he said, would go after companies that buy vandalised rail tracks infrastructure. Sanwo-Olu said the culprits will be traced and prosecuted.