The Kenya Railway Corporation (KRC) is stepping up efforts to operationalise a link train between the Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus and Mombasa Central Railway Station.
The Sh4.2 billion project commenced in September 2022 was derailed by land acquisition challenges. The project had stopped at 65 per cent.
However, the Ministry of Transport has since allocated Sh1.1 billion to the National Land Commission to commence compensation on the 1.4 kilometres of land to pave the way for the rehabilitation of the Mombasa Metre Gauge Railway (MGR) to Miritini.
When the project is completed, passengers using the Madaraka Express passenger service train and the seven stations along the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) arriving or departing from Mombasa will be able to use the Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) line to Mombasa CBD station.
The second part of the project involves the rehabilitation of the Mombasa Central Railway Station and the construction of four mini-stations in Changamwe East, Changamwe West, Miritini, and Shimanzi.
The project also entails the construction of a pedestrian bridge linking the SGR and MGR platforms, a locomotive turntable and a railway bridge with a length of 480 metres across the Makupa Causeway.
The commuter train will enable Mombasa residents to have an alternative mode of transport thus easing pressure on road transport.
Commuter rail is part of the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRT) that the Ministry of Roads and Transport is implementing including the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) for travelers to move safely and efficiently.
KRC Managing Director Mr Philip Mainga said that the project is at an advanced stage of construction and train users will soon enjoy a seamless connection between the SGR terminus in Miritini and Mombasa CBD.
“We are looking to operationalise the Link train for Mombasa County soon. Once operational, residents, tourists and train enthusiasts to Mombasa will use the Link train. This train will ease access to not only Mombasa Terminus and Mombasa CBD but also the areas in between these destinations”, stated the KRC MD.
Jomvu Legislator Badi Twalib said the move to establish a commuter train to link Mombasa West to the CBD will enable businesses to thrive and learners will also commute safely to schools.
He also thanked the government for rerouting the railway line, saving Maganda Primary School from demolition.
By Sadik Hassan
