10 things you need to know about SGR train

President Uhuru Kenyatta flags off a cargo train at Port Reitz in Mombasa on May 30, 2017. PHOTO | PSCU

President Uhuru Kenyatta will today launch the standard gauge railway train. Here is a list of 10 things you need to know about the passenger train:

  • SGR train has been named Madaraka Express
  • Train can transport at least 1,200 passengers one way
  • Madaraka Express will offer intercity and county services
  • Nine modern stations built between Nairobi and Mombasa
  • Railway distance between Nairobi and Mombasa is 472 kilometres
  • Train to travel at average speed of 120 kilometres per hour
  • Passengers in economy class to initially pay Sh900 and those in business class to pay Sh3,000
  • It will cost Sh50,000 to transport a 20-foot container from Mombasa to Nairobi
  • Total cost of railway project is Sh327 billion
  • Cargo train launched on May 30, while passenger train to be launched May 31.

Compiled by Beatrice Obwocha