Kenya Railways has given an update on the progress of the new Mombasa Commuter Rail train, designed to improve convenience for both Madaraka Express passengers and local daily commuters with enhanced features.

In a statement on Tuesday, August 19, the corporation announced that local residents will benefit from a quicker, safer, and more cost-friendly transport option along a 17-kilometre railway stretch.

The service will connect Madaraka Express travellers arriving from Nairobi to Mombasa with the city’s Central Business District (CBD), while also offering locals two choices: ‘Park and Ride’ and ‘Drop and Ride.’

Under the Park and Ride plan, motorists can leave their cars at designated points and use the train for their commute, while Drop and Ride will serve passengers coming via public service vehicles.

“Transport Principal Secretary Mr. Mohamed Daghar today took a test ride onboard the Mombasa Commuter Rail train during an inspection tour of the project,” stated Kenya Railways in its update.

Adding “The upcoming service will give Mombasa residents more than just a ride, it will offer a faster, safer, and more affordable mode to commute daily.”

Plans for an easier link between the SGR Mombasa Terminus located at Miritini and Mombasa CBD began as far back as last year when Kenya Railways, in response to its customers, revealed on April 2, 2024 the status of the construction of the interlink connecting the SGR Mombasa Terminus to the Mombasa Old Town, which was to be completed by May 31, 2024.

This was set to provide a huge sigh of relief to passengers using the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Mombasa who have been forced to use other means of transport to get from the train station to the coastal city itself.

The plan was to see the construction of a Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) line, which would link the two points of entry and exit. The completion of the line was to offer travellers a cheaper and easier option to get to Mombasa Old Town from the terminus.

The project includes a new MGR passenger station at Mombasa Terminus, with stops along a 17-kilometre stretch at Miritini, Changamwe West, Changamwe East, Shimanzi, and Mombasa Central Station.

Initially launched in September 2022 at an estimated cost of Ksh4.2 billion, the development has experienced multiple delays, mainly caused by land acquisition hurdles.

Currently, travellers still have to rely on taxis and matatus, which have often been accused of overcharging travellers.