Government through the Nigeria Railway Corporation NRC says it will this week commence haulage of petroleum products across the country by rail.

The first trip according to the Railway District Manager, Lagos District, Engr. Jerry Oche, will be Automated Gas Oil (AGO), and is expected to move to Dagbolu, a town near Oshogbo, the capital of Osun state.

According to Engr. Oche, the Federal Government had in 2012 moved to revive the system of petroleum haulage by procuring 40 pressurised tank wagons that can take 1.8 million litres of fuel per train.

“For now we are doing diesel, not Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); the risk with PMS is higher. For all our AGO trains, we have the runner wagons, between the locomotives and the first tank wagon.

“The runner wagon is always a flat wagon filled with sand or stone so that if the tanker catches fire, it won’t cross over to the locomotive and if the locomotive catches fire, it won’t cross over to the tanker.

“These tanks are pressurized; they are not the usual type of tank that would explode if they fall. You can run 24/7; whether night or day. If there is expansion, it takes off by itself. There is a releasing fab and it is completely sealed,” he explained.

He said safety concerns by petroleum companies have been addressed as the NRC is not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring that the transportation process is sustainable.

Photo Credit: intrepidoil.com

FG begins haulage of petroleum products by rail

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