By using this site, you agree with our cookies usage in accordance with our cookies policy. You can always disable cookies in your browser settings.

6+

6+

Britain’s fastest diesel trains got new lease on life in Nigeria

21 October 2024
Reading time ~ 1 min
The HST (Intercity 125) in Lagos, Nigeria
The HST (Intercity 125) in Lagos, Nigeria. Source: LAMATA
Ivolgina Anna, Editorial Contributor to International Projects, ROLLINGSTOCK Agency
Reading time ~ 1 min
Krechetov Dmitry, Editorial Contributor

Nigeria: Two HST units (Intercity 125) were launched on the second line of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit system. This series, produced by BREL in 1975–1982, achieved the official world speed record for diesel trains, 238 km/h. The unofficial one belongs to Talgo.

Each train is formed of two Class 43 diesel locomotives at each end and Mk3 intermediate coaches, refurbished for urban transportation. In 2023, 11 locomotives and 11 coaches were purchased from the UK through the ROMIC Group.

Some of diesel locomotives by HST are to be used with Talgo VIII trains, which were delivered to Nigeria in 2022 and put into service on the same line. They have been almost 15 years in downtime as the two trainsets were produced in the USA in 2009 for the project of a high-speed rail line in Wisconsin, which was abandoned in a year.

The first line of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit system has been operated by CRRC trains since 2023.

Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!