Lagos Rail Infrastructure: Red Line Fleet Set for Major Expansion in 2026
Red Line Fleet Set for Major Expansion in 2026
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has officially announced plans to significantly bolster the capacity of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line. By the third quarter of 2026, the state will add three new train sets, each comprising eight coaches, bringing a total of 24 additional carriages to the existing rail corridor.
The disclosure was made on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, by Kolawole Ojelabi, Head of Corporate Communication at LAMATA. The move is a strategic response to the growing passenger demand along the Oyingbo–Agbado corridor and follows recent feedback regarding technical challenges within the current rolling stock.
Strengthening Capacity and Reliability
The addition of the eight-coach trains is designed to alleviate the "capacity crunch" often experienced during peak hours. Currently, the Red Line facilitates thousands of daily commutes, but the introduction of these high-capacity train sets is expected to drastically increase the frequency of trips and overall passenger throughput.
"As part of our long-term strategy to enhance capacity, comfort, and service reliability, LAMATA is pleased to announce the expected delivery and operationalisation of additional rolling stock by the third quarter of 2026," the agency stated.
The new acquisition will bring the total number of additional coaches to 24, strengthening the existing fleet which currently utilizes a mix of refurbished locomotives and Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs).
Addressing Immediate Technical Concerns
The announcement comes amid reports of passenger discomfort due to a cooling system failure on some coaches currently operating the route. LAMATA acknowledged social media footage highlighting these issues and issued an apology to commuters.
In addition to the long-term fleet expansion, the agency confirmed that:
Engineering Teams: Technical teams have been deployed to diagnose and repair faulty air conditioning units.
Maintenance Intensification: Restoration works are ongoing to ensure current coaches return to optimal operating conditions "as swiftly as possible."
Background and Future Outlook
The Red Line’s first phase, a 27-kilometre stretch from Agbado in Ogun State to Oyingbo in Lagos, began full fee-paying operations on October 15, 2024. Since its inauguration, the line has been a cornerstone of the Lagos Strategic Transport Master Plan (LSTMP), aiming to reduce travel time and road congestion.
By 2026, the state government projects that the full operationalization of the Red Line including the completion of its second phase to Marina will allow the system to transport up to 500,000 passengers per day. The acquisition of these new train sets is a critical milestone in reaching that target, ensuring that the infrastructure can keep pace with the city's rapid urbanization.
The planned expansion of the Red Line fleet by Q3 2026 underscores the Lagos State Government's commitment to modernizing urban transit. While technical setbacks have posed recent challenges, the influx of 24 new coaches represents a substantial investment in the reliability and comfort of the rail network. For residents and investors, this signal of continued infrastructure growth reinforces Lagos's position as a leader in sub-national transport development in Africa.
