Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has revealed that Lagos State’s newly acquired 24 coaches for the Red Line Rail, sourced from China, will strengthen the state’s multimodal transportation system and ease commuting challenges.

Speaking during an interview with State House correspondents at Lagos House, Marina, the governor disclosed that talks are underway to extend the Red Line corridor into Ogun State to cater to increasing commuter demand.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the proposed expansion forms part of Lagos’ long-term transport master plan, designed to integrate rail, road, and water systems for smoother mobility and sustained economic growth.

He explained that the Red Line trains will operate with eight coaches—double the capacity of the Blue Line’s four-car trains—significantly increasing passenger movement along the 27-kilometre route from Oyingbo to Agbado.

He said: “The beauty of the Red Line is that it is twice as large as the Blue Line. While the Blue Line operates four-car trains, the Red Line will run eight-car trains. At full capacity, it will be able to move up to 500,000 passengers daily along the corridor from Agbado to Oyingbo.
“Discussions are ongoing to extend the rail service further into neighbouring Ogun State to accommodate more commuters.
“By this time next year, residents will begin to see increased activity on our waterways with the deployment of electric boats to complement existing transport systems.”

According to the governor, the Red Line is projected to handle up to 37 daily trips and transport over 500,000 passengers each day once fully operational.

He also highlighted progress on the Omi-Eko water transport project, stating that high-capacity electric boats are expected by 2027 to enhance ferry services and support existing infrastructure.

Sanwo-Olu added that integrating multiple modes of transport would improve connectivity, boost productivity, and increase revenue generation for Lagos State. He further recalled that additional rolling stock had previously been acquired for the Blue Line, noting that similar investments are now being extended to the Red Line to strengthen the state’s rail network.