Talgo to establish factory in Egypt, plans to manufacture 100 trains

CAIRO – 22 March 2023: Minister of Transport Kamel al-Wazir attended Wednesday the signing of a cooperation protocol between the Egyptian Railway Authority (ERA) and Talgo for the company to build a factory in Egypt for the production of railcars.  

Minister Wazir stated that the plant would be built in Beni Suef's Kom Abou Rady on a surface area spanning over 20 feddans (one feddan equals 4,500 square meters) next to the railway workshops located there already.  

Each of the first and second phases consists of the manufacturing of 50 trains by Egyptian engineers and workers, but under the supervision of Spanish experts. Also, the local component is planned to be 45 percent.  

Egypt purchased from Talgo six trains in a deal worth €157 million. Each consists of five air-conditioned first-class railcars, eight air-conditioned second-class railcars, caboose, engine, and power car.

The trains are made of aluminum, which makes them lighter, and as a result, reduces the consumption of fuel. Further, surveillance cameras were planned to be installed at those trains to secure passengers.

The vehicles also include places suitable for the disabled, and an entertainment system so as each seat at the first-class is equipped with a screen, while there are central screens in the second-class.

ERA began in December the pilot operation of the first two Talgo trains between Egypt and Alexandria. The value of the first-class ticket is LE200, while that of the second-class ticket is LE150. And, the speed of the train is 160 kilometers per hour.