Kenya Railways Managing Director Phillip Mainga has unveiled plans to expand Standard Gauge Railway services by introducing an additional 20 coaches in response to increased demand.
Speaking during the flagging off ceremony of 430 new freight wagons on Monday, March 4, the MD revealed that three of the new coaches would service first class while the rest would be added to the business and economy classes.
"We will soon receive 20 coaches comprising of 4 business class, 3 first class, 12 economy coaches and 1 power car designed for operations on the SGR line.
"These additional coaches will support the high demand for Madaraka Express Passenger Services," Mainga stated.
At the event, Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar flagged off the freight wagons, which are anticipated to enhance transportation efficiency on both the SGR and the metre gauge railway line.
Out of the total, 230 wagons are tailored for operations on the Standard Gauge Railway line, while the remaining 200 are designated for operations on the Metre Gauge Railway line.
These wagons have a capacity of 70 tonnes and will be employed for the transportation of containerised cargo, steel coils, tank-tainers, billets, and vehicles.
Earlier, Kenyans.co.ke had reported that the country was awaiting more wagons from China with Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen assuring that 50 wagons will be used to transport perishable products.
“For Kenya to remain competitive, we must continue to improve our transport infrastructure,” Murkomen stated at the time.
“The new wagons are part of our strategic response to market dynamics, and the need to meet the ever-changing customer demands and gain a competitive edge."
Hiked Prices
Kenyans on board the SGR have been, however, sharing images and video clips of empty trainers hinting at reduced passenger numbers since the price was hiked.
At the beginning of February, a spot check by Kenyans.co.ke showed that 2,457 seats were empty on the 10:00 pm train for five days.
The increase in empty seats corresponded with the spike in fees that hit Ksh4,500 for first class and Ksh1,500 for the economy.
