Plans to develop Cairo’s 1st, 2nd metro lines at LE 38 Bln: Official

CAIRO – 8 April 2021: Head of the Egyptian National Tunnels Authority Hossam Waly said that a plan is underway to develop the first and second metro lines at a cost of L.E. 38 billion.

The plan includes developing metro lines’ trains and infrastructure.  

“We signed a deal to purchase 20 new trains that were installed on the first line, and there is another deal, which is underway, to purchase 32 other trains, in addition to revamp 23 trains,” Waly explained.

He added that four trains were purchased for the second line, and six others are expected to arrive this year. Within the 2030 Vision, it is planned that Greater Cairo houses six metro lines.

Around 3.5 million Cairenes use the metro every day. Launched in 1987, the metro has since become the most important means of transportation in Cairo.

Line 1 is the oldest line of the Cairo Metro with its first 29-kilometer segment having opened in 1987. The line, which stretches from Helwan to Ramsis Square, is 44.3-kilometer long and serves 35 stations.

Line 2 is 21.6-kilometer and it serves 20 stations, of which 12 are underground. Line 2 uses the third rail electrification system instead of the overhead line used in the first line.

The country has been implementing developmental works to the metro, the most important means of transportation in Cairo.

Waly ensured in his remarks that all the development works the state is carrying out on the metro lines are taking into consideration people with disabilities, aiming to provide good service to all citizens.

He further stated that work is in full swing on the third, fourth and sixth lines of the metro.

Line 3 is part of the Greater Cairo Metro project that passes from Embaba to El-Mohandiseen, passing under the Nile up to Zamalek district and Attaba.