End of Nairobi Traffic? Kenya Railways Unveils Plan to Extend SGR Into the CBD

 

There is good news for commuters heading into central Nairobi as plans have been announced by Kenya Railways to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line from Syokimau to the Central Business District (CBD).

The intended extension seeks to enhance connectivity between the SGR terminus and Nairobi’s city center thereby facilitating fast travel for passengers through the provision of rail services to the capital.

Currently those arriving at Syokimau SGR terminus have to rely on commuter trains, buses or taxis to reach the CBD. The proposed extension will fill this gap by making use of the railway to introduce a rail service between the city and SGR terminus.

In its statement, Kenya Railways has indicated that the implementation of this plan is part of the firm’s efforts to modernize the rail system in the country and facilitate urban mobility in the country hence encouraging the use of public transport amidst worsening congestion in Nairobi.

Transport experts believe the extension is set to bring down traffic on major highways leading to Nairobi, reduce the cost of commuting to the city and enhance integration between long distance passenger trains and the local trains.

Although the timelines and funding information are still to be completely made clear, the proposal has already created hope among passengers who are looking forward to traveling faster and with ease to the capital. 

If put successfully into practice, the SGR extension project could be the most remarkable improvement in Nairobi's public transport services lately as it will connect the main railway transport network to the central business area of the city.