Egypt races against time to complete 1st express train line

CAIRO – 1 March 2021: Egypt is racing against time to finalize works at the first express train line extending from Ain Sokhna City to New Alamein City, with a length of 460 km.

Egypt will have its first express train within two years, which will reduce trip durations, facilitate the ride and accommodate more passengers up to 4,500.

Egypt’s new express train network is seen as a pillar that will change the transport map in the country.

What has been done thus far?

Egypt so far has determined the full route of the line, and Egyptian contracting companies started construction works after classifying the route to sectors.

Siemens, which will execute the new railway, will implement the signaling communication and control systems, in addition to importing and installing ticket booths at stations. The German company will further import 34 train vehicles.

About Egypt’s first express train

Egypt’s express electric train will connect new urban communities and the Red Sea to the Mediterranean for the first time at a L.E. 360 billion cost.

The project is 1,000-kilometer network, with a train speed of 250 kilometers per hour. The project has three phases and 15 stations.

The first line will cost $ 6.3 billion, including $ 3.3 billion, which Siemens will obtain for signaling, communication and control systems, and the supply of ticket gates and trains for this line, and $ 3 billion for Egyptian contracting companies for construction and civil works along the route and stations of this line.

Siemens International will also manage and operate the express train project for 15 years after the end of its implementation, in return of annual fees that has not been determined yet, without the company’s interference in determining the price of the ticket.