Thursday, December 30, 2021

Egypt spends up big on railways



Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, and Minister of Transportation Kamel al-Wazir inspecting new trains at Aswan Station on 28 December 2021

CAIRO – 28 December 2021: Minister of Transportation Kamel al-Wazir stated Tuesday that LE1.7 trillion ($US 106.25 billion) were spent on railways development in the past few years, pointing out that Egypt used to have a shortage of 600 railcars but that is no longer the case.

Wazir said that by 2024, when the population hits 108 million, 13,000 kilometers of railroads would be developed and doubled, and that Egypt would be having 1,050 train engines, 4,316 railcars, and over 5,000 freight railcars.

The minister further highlighted that Egypt is introducing for the first time ever air-conditioned third-class railcars, as there are 500 of them from Transmash holding. As for the seven Talgo trains, Wazir said that the ministry contemplates partnering up with private investors to operate them.

Regarding the localization of locomotive industries, the transportation minister clarified that the renovation of some of the existing railcars is carried out at Kom Abou Rady workshops. He added that both Egyptian and global companies are carrying out the automation of signaling systems, whose cost is LE50 billion ($3.1 billion).

Wazir disclosed at the end of his presentation that a control center that is connected to the entire railways network is being established at Cairo’s Ramses Station. He also showcased that train stations at rural areas are being renovated within the Decent Life initiative, which will be conclude in 2024.

1 comment:

Wallace said...

impressive, is the money coming from China for all the upgrades etc.