The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) announced the inauguration of six new passenger stations in Mombasa County on Monday, March 4.
This development is a crucial step in KRC’s ongoing initiative to facilitate seamless connectivity between the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the old Metre Gauge Railway (MGR).
The project, situated in the Coastal region, aims to link the SGR and MGR networks, covering a 17-kilometer stretch, with an anticipated completion date of May 31, 2024.
KRC revealed that the endeavor encompasses the construction of new MGR passenger stations at Mombasa Terminus, Miritini, Changamwe West, Changamwe East, Shimanzi, and Mombasa Central station.
The addition of these stations is expected to significantly improve passenger mobility, particularly for those traveling from Miritini to Mombasa Island, who previously had to resort to alternative transportation methods.
With these new facilities, KRC aims to provide a more cost-effective and reliable mode of transport for Kenyan commuters utilizing the SGR.
Notably, this initiative follows Kenya’s earlier launch of the SGR-MGR link at Mai Mahiu Station in Naivasha in January 2022.
The establishment of this link facilitated direct train travel from Mombasa to the Western region of Kenya, achieved through a 5-kilometer connection between the SGR and the Metre Gauge Railway, extending to Malaba and Bungoma.
The implementation of these SGR-MGR link projects is expected not only to enhance passenger travel but also to streamline cargo transportation from the Port of Mombasa to various parts of the nation and neighboring countries.
This development is poised to accelerate the movement of cargo to Uganda, Sudan, and other landlocked East African Community (EAC) nations, thereby fostering regional trade and economic growth.