This archive report was first published on 21 December 2019.
With the festive season upon us, many Kenyans are preparing for their holiday travels. The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has made traveling by train a more appealing option, especially for those heading to Mombasa and other coastal towns.
According to estimates, approximately 90,000 passengers are expected to use the train between December 18, 2019, and January 4, 2020. To cater for the rising demand during the festive season, five coaches will be added effective December 22, 2019, to January 3, 2020.
The Madaraka Express passenger trains travel at a speed of 120km/h, reducing the travel duration between destinations on the route from over 10 hours to less than five hours. This has facilitated convenience to residents along the line and changed their lives and work style.
Passengers can enjoy various amenities, including food courts, breastfeeding areas, and complimentary coffee/tea for first-class passengers at the boarding stations. All passengers have access to food and drinks as well as toilets.
With the escalating cost of living, train travel is becoming increasingly attractive to budget-conscious travelers. A scenic train ride can even be a vacation in itself, offering a sense of charm and tranquility that cannot be matched by other modes of transport.
As the writer notes, 'railway is the most romantic way to travel, offering a sense of charm and tranquility that can’t be matched by other modes of transport.'
Published on December 21, 2019, by Janet Nzuu, this article highlights the benefits of traveling by train during the festive season.
