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Relief for Mombasa Travellers as New Rail Link to City Centre CompletedTravellers arriving in Mombasa via the Madaraka Express will soon enjoy seamless connectivity to the city centre after Kenya Railways completed the long-awaited Mombasa Commuter Rail Service.
The Ksh.4.2 billion project, which has been under construction since 2022, is set to revolutionize transport within the coastal city by linking the Miritini Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus directly to the Mombasa Central Railway Station. Until now, thousands of passengers arriving at the SGR terminus, 15 kilometres away, had little choice but to rely on costly taxis and private shuttles for the last stretch of their journey.
Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar confirmed that successful test runs have already been conducted, paving the way for the launch of passenger services in the coming days.
“Our priority is to ease commuting time, decongest Mombasa’s busy roads, lower emissions, and ensure that ordinary Kenyans have safe, affordable, and reliable transport,” Daghar said.
The new line spans 16.6 kilometres of upgraded metre-gauge track and includes a landmark 2.3-kilometre bridge over the Makupa Causeway. Two additional stations will also be developed in Changamwe East and Changamwe West to expand commuter access.
Kenya Railways Chairman Abdi Bare explained that the new service has been synchronized with the Madaraka Express timetable to guarantee smooth transfers. “Whenever the Madaraka Express train arrives, the link train will be on standby. The same train will also deliver city passengers boarding the express,” he noted.
The Mombasa Commuter Rail is expected to ferry at least 1,000 passengers daily. To enhance convenience, the station at Miritini will provide secure parking for over 100 vehicles, encouraging park-and-ride options.
The project, which began in September 2022, had stalled midway due to land compensation disputes. The Ministry of Transport later resolved the impasse by allocating Ksh.1.1 billion to the National Land Commission for compensation, clearing the way for its completion.
With this milestone, Mombasa residents and visitors alike are poised to enjoy a faster, greener, and more affordable commuting experience a step seen as vital in unlocking the city’s economic potential while complementing the Nairobi-Mombasa Madaraka Express.
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