SGR raring to go as Miritini station nears completion

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Construction of the station stands out among the official preparations for the June 1 commissioning of the fast train service.
Kenya Railways managing director Atanas Maina said the Miritini station is more than 95 per cent complete and was undergoing final touches.

The new Miritini standard gauge railway station is almost complete, giving Kenyans a rare feel of changes expected in the coastal city as the country prepares to unveil its fast trains on the Mombasa-Nairobi route.

The construction of the station, which has an annual capacity of 450,000 people, stands out among the official preparations for the June 1 commissioning of the fast train service.

A spot check by Business Daily also indicates security agencies have taken every step to ensure the success of the launch.

Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinett who visited the Miritini station last week said adequate arrangements had been made for the rollout.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that the physical facilities are safe so that when the time comes to transport passengers and cargo,we will be sure that it will be safe,” Mr Boinett said.

“There are a few things remaining but I am confident that by June 1, we’ll be ready to provide security.”

The station has ample space for travellers to move around. From June 1, four trains will each haul 200 containers each day, with the trip between the port and Nairobi lasting six to eight hours. Two passenger trains will move an estimated 1,000 people daily in just four and half hours.

The air-conditioned passenger coaches offer first, business and economy classes. Drinks will be served to passengers. There is a a dining car that can accommodate 50 passengers and a luggage coach. The train will also operate a courier services.

Kenya Railways managing director Atanas Maina said the Miritini station is more than 95 per cent complete and was undergoing final touches. Cargo scanners will be installed at some stations along the SGR line.

State-of-the-art passenger stations will be built in Mombasa and Nairobi as well as five other intermediate stations at Mariakani, Voi, MtitoAndei, Sultan Hamud and AthiRiver.
A total of 40 stations are planned to be built along the line, 33 out of which will be ready when the railway becomes operational.

Transport CS James Macharia has also said phase one of SGR construction is 99 per cent complete.