CAIRO – Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly witnessed the signing of a contract with German Siemens AG for the implementation of Egypt’s 660 km electric train network, linking Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea coast to Matrouh on the Mediterranean coast.
The contract was signed by Siemens Mobility, Orascom Construction, Arab Contractors and the National Tunneling Authority (NAT) to design, install and maintain Egypt’s first high-speed rail system for 15 years.
The total value of the order is approximately $4.5 billion. In a joint venture with Arab Contractors, Orascom Construction’s turnkey perimeter includes the tracks, signaling and the century-old catenary, the telecommunications system and the traction electrical substations, while the 15-year maintenance perimeter includes telecommunications channels and system.
Madbouly acknowledged President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s continued guidance to provide the highest quality mass transportation to Egyptian citizens, noting that the President personally followed the steps leading to the signing of this treaty which will bring about a civilized change in the Egyptian transport system.
Transport Minister Kamel Al-Wazir and German Ambassador to Cairo Frank Hartmann also attended the signing ceremony.
It was also agreed to discuss and finalize further agreements for two additional high-speed rail lines in the coming months, bringing the total length of this new rail network to 1,800 km. The two additional lines connect Greater Cairo; October 6 city, along the Nile, with Aswan and Luxor.
The Minister of Transport also pointed out that the cooperation led by the German company will carry out all work systems for the project, including signals, railway works, electromechanical works, as well as the manufacture and delivery of all types of equipment, mobile units, including express trains, regional trains and electric tractors, as well as the delivery and assembly of railway works (rails and switches).
The minister added that the high-speed train has a large carrying capacity, which reduces traffic congestion and ensures greater safety for passengers and better impact on the environment, which is in line with the plan of government to develop Egyptian ports, including the port of Sokhna, be used for.
Al Wazir pointed out that this train will improve the infrastructure of the areas it passes through and contribute to urban sprawl, in addition to connecting the new administrative capital and new towns to the rail network for transporting passengers and goods.
The new electric trains are environmentally friendly and will represent a major qualitative leap in the transport sector.
President and CEO of Siemens AG, Roland Bosch, said Siemens Transport Systems is proud to support the efforts of the Egyptian government to develop the transport sector in the country by establishing the first high-speed electric train system in Egypt, stressing that the strategic project will create many job opportunities, support economic growth and improve the quality of life for millions of Egyptians by providing an efficient, safe and advanced transport system.
As one of Egypt’s successful partners for decades, he added, Siemens is committed to providing the latest smart technology solutions through this project and providing continuous support to develop and improve local skills and frameworks.
