Egypt in talks with MERMEC to localize railway signaling systems

The Egyptian government is negotiating with MERMEC, an Italian group, to establish a factory for manufacturing signaling components and European Train Control Systems Level 1 (ETCSL1). 

 

This initiative aims to localize advanced railway technologies in Egypt, according to a statement from the Ministry of Industry and Transport.  

 

This announcement came during Vice Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir’s visit to Italy, where he engaged with leading global firms specializing in railway and smart transportation.  

 

El-Wazir emphasized that discussions with MERMEC aim to produce high-tech railway signaling and control systems domestically, reducing dependence on foreign imports. The initiative also seeks to position Egypt as a regional hub for railway technology manufacturing.  

 

The discussions included updates on a collaborative project to enhance signaling and communication systems along the "El-Ferdan/Bir El-Abd - Balouza/East Port Said" railway line. 

 

This project is part of an agreement previously signed between Egypt’s National Railways Authority and MERMEC.  

 

El-Wazir requested the company submit a financial proposal detailing the share of local and foreign components, highlighting the project’s importance in increasing railway safety.  

 

The operational “El-Ferdan - Bir El-Abd” railway line is currently used for passenger and freight transport, linking various governorates to East Port Said Port. This line forms part of a larger 500-kilometer corridor connecting "El-Ferdan – East Port Said – Bir El-Abd – Arish – Taba," which is integral to the “Arish-Taba” logistics corridor.  

 

On another note, El-Wazir met with representatives from Talgo to review the progress of the planned Talgo Egypt train manufacturing facility in Kom Abu Radi. 

 

This factory will cater to domestic railway demands and export surplus production, aligning with Egypt’s strategy to become an industrial hub. 

 

He urged Talgo to explore collaboration with the SEMAF factory for current train manufacturing projects.  

 

The minister concluded his visit with discussions with Italian Railways executives about a potential proposal to manage and operate Egypt’s high-speed electric rail network, underscoring the country’s commitment to leveraging international expertise in its transport infrastructure projects.