Source: Daily News Egypt

Kawaguchiko, Japan – Egypt’s ambitious high-speed rail network reached a significant milestone as officials announced the country will receive its first Velaro high-speed electric train in August. This development marks a crucial step forward in Egypt’s transformative transportation infrastructure project that aims to connect major urban centers, industrial zones, and tourist destinations across the nation.

Ministerial Inspection Tour

Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel Al-Wazir, recently conducted a comprehensive inspection tour of the Ain Sokhna–Alamein–Marsa Matrouh corridor, which forms part of the first 660-kilometer line in the planned 2,000-kilometer network. The inspection covered progress from Mohamed Naguib Station to 6th October Station and included reviews of vital road connections linking these stations to major traffic arteries, including the Middle Ring Road and Mohamed Naguib Axis.

During his visit, Al-Wazir also examined Cairo Station in Helwan, which will serve Helwan City, 15th of May City, and southern Cairo residents. He carefully inspected the finishing work at key interchange stations, including Giza Station (connecting to the Cairo-Aswan railway) and October Gardens Station (linking the first and second high-speed rail lines).

Station Development and Integration

At 6th October Station, the minister reviewed finishing works and examined detailed plans for administrative, commercial, and investment opportunities within available spaces. This strategic station will offer integrated services with the West Nile Monorail, enhancing connectivity across transportation networks. Throughout the inspection, Al-Wazir emphasized that all construction, operations, and services must adhere to stringent international standards.

Maintenance Infrastructure

A significant portion of the tour focused on the main maintenance and overhaul workshop being developed for rolling stock serving both the first and second lines. This extensive facility spans 578 feddans and includes 39 buildings—21 currently under construction and 18 designated for future expansion. The complex features heavy maintenance buildings, inspection and sorting workshops, train parking areas, and various technical facilities essential for the network’s operation.

Infrastructure Progress

The minister assessed the advancement of critical infrastructure works along the route, including construction of the Autostrad Bridge, the SUMED Bridge, and the South Helwan Nile Bridge, which connects Tebeen Road and the Nile Corniche extension to the Cairo-Aswan agricultural road. He reviewed reports on completed bridges and directed that ongoing construction projects be expedited while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Al-Wazir also inspected track segments already handed over to the Siemens–Orascom–Arab Contractors consortium. These segments are currently undergoing basalt bedding, rail installation, and erection of catenary poles for electric power lines, preparing the way for upcoming electromechanical works.

Rolling Stock Acquisition

On the equipment front, Egypt has already received its first Desiro regional train from Siemens’ facilities in Germany. Fourteen additional Desiro trains have been completed, out of a total order of 34 allocated to the line. In a significant development, five Velaro high-speed trains have been fully manufactured, with the first unit scheduled to arrive in August. The minister also noted that Siemens has completed production of 14 freight locomotives for the project.

National Significance and Economic Impact

Minister Al-Wazir emphasized the strategic importance of the high-speed electric train network, which will extend across Egypt to connect new and existing urban, industrial, and agricultural areas. The system will support growth in developing regions such as Helwan, 15th of May City, Borg El Arab, 6th of October City, New Minya, and New Assiut. Additionally, it will enhance access to key tourism destinations including Giza, Sohag, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Red Sea resorts.

The rail network will also reach major new agricultural zones including the New Delta, Mostakbal Misr (Future of Egypt), Ganat Misr, West Minya, Toshka, and East Oweinat. A primary objective of the project is to establish strategic logistical corridors between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, linking northern and southern Egypt while connecting industrial hubs to seaports and consumer markets.

Project Scale and Employment Benefits

The comprehensive high-speed rail network is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities across Egypt. Upon completion, the system will comprise three lines with a combined length of 2,000 kilometers, 60 stations, two main depots, and five maintenance points. The rolling stock fleet will include 41 high-speed trains, 94 regional trains, and 41 freight locomotives.

The first line—connecting Ain Sokhna to Alamein and Marsa Matrouh—will extend 660 kilometers and feature 21 stations, including 13 high-speed and 8 regional train stations, along with a central control and monitoring center, positioning Egypt as a leader in transportation infrastructure development across the Middle East and North Africa region.

Original Articles:

dailynewsegypt.com. (n.d.). Egypt to receive first Velaro high-speed electric train in August. Retrieved April 23, 2025, from https://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2025/04/21/egypt-to-receive-first-velaro-high-speed-electric-train-in-august/