The $350 million Grand Litora Railway project in Cross River State has reached a significant milestone with the completion and presentation of the topographical mapping for the first 104-kilometer Calabar-Ugep segment. The mapping, a critical step in the project’s planning phase, was unveiled at the Tinapa Free Zone Resort, according to a New Year’s Day statement from Rinehooke Investment Ltd, the company backing the ambitious initiative.
The railway, spanning 365 kilometers, aims to connect major cities across the state, with main terminals in Calabar and Obudu and three substations in Ugep, Ikom, and Ogoja. The project, expected to revolutionize mobility, trade, and tourism, was inaugurated earlier in the year by Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu during a groundbreaking ceremony.
Nelson Elemi, Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Rinehooke Investment Ltd, highlighted the transformative potential of the Grand Litora Railway, describing it as a bold vision for the future of Cross River State and Nigeria.
“The Grand Litora Railway represents a bold vision for the future of Cross River State and Nigeria at large,” Elemi said. “By linking major towns and cities in Cross River, this railway will not only enhance mobility and stimulate trade but also open up our state’s unparalleled tourism potential to the world.”
Elemi pointed to the railway’s capacity to make Cross River a premier destination for domestic and international visitors. “From the vibrant Tinapa Free Trade Zone to Obudu, home to the serene ranch and mountain resort, this project will enhance the state’s standing as a tourism hub. We are proud to partner with the state government on this transformative journey and remain committed to ensuring its success,” he added.
The Grand Litora Railway is set to improve transportation networks within the state, linking major economic and tourism hubs, and fostering regional development. It is also expected to enhance trade by improving access to key markets, stimulate investment by showcasing Cross River’s potential, and boost tourism by facilitating access to attractions such as the Tinapa Free Trade Zone and Obudu Mountain Resort.
The partnership between the Cross River State Government and Rinehooke Investment Ltd underscores a shared commitment to advancing infrastructure development and economic growth. As the project progresses, it promises to position Cross River as a model for regional connectivity and sustainable development in Nigeria.
