Commuters on Ruiru- Nairobi rail service, will be served by a new locomotive once Ruiru railway station upgrade and rehabilitation of the existing railway line is completed.
Speaking on Tuesday during familiarisation tour of the Relocation Action Plan (RAP) project, Kenya Railway Managing Director Atanas Maina, revealed that the existing locomotive popularly known as 'KM' will be replaced with a new one to enhance efficiency and reliability.
"We plan to introduce a new engine to serve commuters since the existing one breaks down en route whenever mechanical problem develops causing delays and inconvenience to passengers, " said Maina.
He also added that upgrading of Ruiru railway station has started and the process of relocating railway corridor encroachers is underway.
"We are upgrading the station at a cost of 300 million and the process of relocating people on railway reserves to new housing units is ongoing. By the end of this year all these activities will be done," asserted Maina.
The Nairobi Commuter Rail Improvement project is financed by World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development.
The works being carried out at Ruiru railway station include provision of improved access, perimeter fencing, parking and kiss and ride facilities, public toilets, security houses, platforms and platform shades.