Recent Inspection Underscores Momentum of Egypt’s High-Speed Rail Development
According to the National Tunnel Authority, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir, recently undertook a detailed inspection tour of the country’s flagship high-speed rail project. The visit focused on Line 1 of the national high-speed network, which spans the Sokhna–El Alamein–Matrouh corridor, a core component of the broader Sokhna/Alexandria Logistics Corridor.
This infrastructure development is being driven under the directive of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to establish a sustainable, environmentally friendly, green mass transit system that supports national urban and industrial expansion.
The inspection covered several key infrastructure sites, including finishing works at Mohamed Naguib, Cairo (Helwan), Giza interchange, October Gardens, and October station, the latter of which will serve as a key interchange with the West Nile Monorail. The minister also toured the project’s central maintenance and overhaul workshop, which occupies 578 acres and consists of 39 buildings—21 currently under construction and 18 reserved for future expansion.
Work is advancing on vital bridge structures, including Autostrad, South Helwan, and SUMED, with directives issued to expedite completion. Track installation responsibilities have been handed over to the Siemens–Orascom–Arab Contractors consortium for the implementation of ballast paving, rail laying, and installation of electric catenary systems, to be followed by electromechanical works.
Rolling stock production is also progressing. Egypt has already taken delivery of its first Desiro regional train, manufactured by Siemens in Germany. A total of 14 regional Desiro units and five Velaro express trains have been completed, with the first Velaro unit expected to arrive in Egypt by August 2025. The fleet also includes 14 completed freight locomotives.
Egypt’s high-speed electric rail programme will ultimately comprise three lines, covering 2,000km, with 60 stations, two main workshops, and five maintenance points. The fleet will consist of 41 high-speed trains, 94 regional trains, and 41 freight locomotives. Line 1 alone extends over 660km, with implementation continuing on schedule.