China Tests A Newly-Developed Smart Electric Train Running On Virtual Tracks

In a world of advanced technology and massive engineering, China seems to be at the forefront of making it's nation a point of reference among other nations.

China is test running a train which runs on a virtual train even at low temperature. according to reports, at -20 degrees Celsius! China tests a newly-developed smart electric train running on virtual tracks to see if it can run smoothly in frigid weather.

So what can the new technology do?
Trackless trams are neither a tram nor a bus, though they have rubber wheels and run on streets. The high-speed rail innovations have transformed a bus into something with all the best features of light rail and none of its worst features.

It replaces the noise and emissions of buses with electric traction from batteries recharged at stations in 30 seconds or at the end of the line in 10 minutes. That could just be an electric bus, but the ART is much more than that. It has all the speed (70kph), capacity and ride quality of light rail with its autonomous optical guidance system, train-like bogies with double axles and special hydraulics and tyres.

It can slide into the station with millimetre accuracy and enable smooth disability access. It passed the ride quality test when I saw kids running up and down while it was going at 70kph – you never see this on a bus due to the sway.

The autonomous features mean it is programmed, optically guided with GPS and LIDAR technologies, into moving very precisely along an invisible track. If an accident happens in the right of way a “driver” can override the steering and go around. It can also be driven to a normal bus depot for overnight storage and deep battery recharge.

The standard ART system is three carriages that can carry 300 people, but it can take five carriages and 500 people if needed. In three years of trials, no impact on road surfaces has been found.

See some photos below...

Watch the video below...

Nigeria Procures MARAUDER Armoured Vehicle, It Can Withstand IEDs, Explosives

Paramount Group sold its MARAUDER armoured vehicle and personnel carrier, equipped with a Jordanian-made snake head turret fitted with a 7.62mm machine gun, to the Republic of Nigeria, in partnership with the Nigerian Air Force. The move comes as the West African nation is bolstering its efforts to effectively tackle a wide range of threats posed by various terrorist and extremist groups.

The vehicle can withstand a side blast (IED or roadside bomb) equivalent to 50kg of explosives, which is critical for the assymetrical warfare experienced in Northern parts of the country. The MARAUDER is further equipped with specially designed anti-blast seats, which prevent injury from the extreme acceleration of a side blast or mine blast under the hull. It offers great fire power to protect its crew against heavy attacks and can be fitted with a wide range of weapons systems.

"We are privileged to work alongside the Nigerian Air Force, commending, through the acquisition and deployment of the MARAUDER, their continued commitment to enhancing their national defence and internal security capabilities and prowess," Senior Vice President of Paramount Group, Eric Ichikowitz, stated. "Nigeria’s Government also understands not only the leadership role they play in international peacekeeping missions across the ECOWAS but indeed how to effectively address the evolutionary nature of those cross-regional challenges posed by threats such as organized insurgencies."

Paramount Group's subsidiary Paramount Maritime received orders for dozens of rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB) in 2018 in a multipurpose effort by the Nigerian Navy to defend its blue economy and coastline, for the continued military training of its Special Forces, rescue and patrol operations and for the protection of the nation’s oil and gas assets.

"We look forward to building on our strong and longstanding relationship in support of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, by providing highly innovative and advanced solutions to embolden the nation’s frontlines of modern-day defence and security," Ichikowitz concluded. "Increased security leads to increased economic growth and Paramount’s proven, portable manufacturing model can play an important role in the establishment of local manufacturing capabilities enabling the diversification of the nation’s economy and the potential to foster sustainable job creation. These are shared efforts that we believe to be vital to maintaining Nigeria’s continued trajectory."

Ghana Government Sends Delegate To Understudy The Lagos-Ibadan Rail Project

Who says Nigeria is not the big brother in Africa despite all our flaws and mistakes, many countries still look up to us for inspiration and understudy our works.

The Ghanaian government on Friday joined the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon Rotimi Amaechi to inspect and tour ongoing construction works on the $1.5bn Lagos-Ibadan rail project.

Speaking after the inspection, Ghana’s Minister for Railway Development, Mr Joe Ghartey explained that he is in Nigeria to understudy the Nigerian standard gauge rail project.

According to Mr Ghartey, who led a high powered team to Nigeria, “Nigeria has done very well as regards the standard gauge rail project, and we are taking what we have seen back home as a blueprint for the development of our own rail sector.”

Also speaking after the inspection, the Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi assured Nigerians that the Lagos-Ibadan Rail project will be completed before the first week in May.

“We’ve inspected Dk 102, and the only place we are having challenges is kilometre 102, but CCECC have assured that by Monday 8th of April they must have completed the tracks.

“Also at kilometre 110 is where we are having soil challenges and that is what they are working on now. Another challenge is kilometre 116  which also has soil issue,  but the geological survey has been done and they have discovered that there is a high water level in those place.

“So I am very impressed with the work done so far. Although they didn’t meet up with my expectations, but you will agree with me that they are humans and not a machine.

” But we expect them to do track laying to kilometre 95. They have done sub-laying to kilometre 98, so what they have not done is track laying and they said when I come for inspection in one week time, they will have done the track laying up to kilometre 98 and they will start laying the beam to cross the bridge at kilometre 98,” the Honourable Minister of Transportation stated.

Photos courtesy: Legit.NG

See The Road Ambode Is Building At Airport Road, See How They Fared - Exclusive Images

A verse in popular hymn says, Fading away like the stars of the morning, Losing their light in the glorious sun- thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling, Only remembered by what we have done.

We know this hymn is mostly sung at funerals and when they are doing set-forth for friends, colleagues or people who have retired in active service. No matter how far we are in a position, one day, we will leave and our works will be remembered as either good or bad.

Just as the popular saying goes, what has a beginning will surely come to a logical end one day. Gradually the days are drawing closer, in a twinkling of an eye, in exactly 2 months from now, the baton of leadership will change hands, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode will cease to be the executive governor of Lagos but his works, ideas, and contribution in making Lagos a mega-city will forever linger on for ages.

Part of Gov. Ambode's legacy is the Airport Road. The Airport Road used to be a nightmare to all road users, it was so bad that Ambode has to take permission from the Federal Government to rebuild this road, according to him, first impression matters, those coming to Lagos for the first time pass through this route all the way to Oshodi, what impression are we giving them if we can not build a road leading to the airport.

The road construction started 2 years ago by Hitech Company, though the work was meant to have been completed since October last year we sensed its due to the political tussle in the state. According to a post by Tony Nwajei who gives a first-hand reportage of the site...

AMBODE IS THE MAN!
I was taking someone back to Murtala Muhammed International Airport yesterday but she stayed glued to the on-going Oshodi/Airport road construction to the extent that she couldn’t help but ask if the projects is FG’s because of the gigantic size and I responded that it is Ambode’s led Lagos Government project. That moment I noticed she was stunned and she quickly adds that If a Governor could do this much and still could not get another chance to do more then something is wrong somewhere!

If you understand the relevance of this road to the former Nation’s capital or have plied this route in time past you will understand her interest on that road.

Irrespective of the prism you view him, Ambode remains No 1 performing governor till date considering the uncountable people-centered projects currently on-going across the nook and crannies of the state.

Despite the fact that he will be vacating Alausa Government House come May 29th, he is one governor Lagosians and Nigerians will not forget in a hurry!

I pray the incoming governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu takes the baton firmly from him and ensures it never drop.

From AutoReportNG, we say a special shout-out to this silent trailblazer.

Arrest On Delivery Bikes: Lagos State Government Takes Its Stand

There have been cries from the public over the arrest of motorcycles popularly called Okada in Lagos. The latest one is when the Lagos State Taskforce seized bikes belonging to MaxNG and GOkada. The government received backlash from citizens citing that its policy may crumble business in the state. In a bid to clear the air, the Lagos State Government felt its time to state its position on bikes and its usage across the state.

In a press release obtained by AutoReportNG, the government states in details what road users need to know...

Due to recent complaints about the arrest of delivery bikes, especially around Alausa, we are giving this awareness of the full enforcement of an already existing law.

As shown, the law prohibits motorcycles below 200cc engine capacity from use on bridges and carriage roads with two or more lanes in both directions.

As it concerns motorcycles for mail delivery or courier services, an exemption can be given if the motorcycle:

-  Has a minimum engine capacity of 200cc;
-  Carries a prescribed vehicle number plate and/or identification;
-  Is fitted with a properly fixed mail cabin on its pillion and;
-  Does not carry a passenger.

Please note that a motorcycle for mail distribution or courier services shall not be used as such unless an exemption from route restriction has been granted by the Ministry of Transportation.

The public and service providers are hereby notified.

40ft Tanker Falls On A Commercial Bus In Ketu, Lagos - Photos

We live in an evil world. This month will be remembered as a month of death, pains, and agony. While some left their offices and home yesterday evening, little did they know that they will be involved in a tragic accident involving the trailer in Lagos.

According to RRSLagos, it was reported that a container fell on a Commercial Bus on Ketu Bridge inward Ikorodu. All passengers have been rescued except for one still trapped. The RRS Lagos team have to call on the LASEMA team for quick intervention for the trapped man. Due to the quick arrival of the LRU team, they were able to pull the fallen 40ft tanker off the bus and the man was rescued alive. He has been taken to a nearby hospital where he is receiving treatment.

See more of the photos below.