Egypt's Ambitious Plan to Link 80 Cities with High-Speed Trains

Egypt's ambitious plans to establish a high-speed train network are set to revolutionize the nation's connectivity, according to experts.

The project envisions four expansive rail lines spanning a total of 2,250 kilometers, facilitating the connection of over 80 Egyptian cities while reaching out to neighboring nations, including Libya and Sudan.

Transport specialist Ahmed Al-Sanhouri shared insights, stating, "Egypt recently received the first regional express train, the Desiro HC. Manufactured by Siemens, this double-decker train has a capacity of 849 passengers and will operate at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour. The train has already been tested in the German city of Krefeld. And in addition to the Desiro HC, the Velaro train is being manufactured to operate at 250 kilometers per hour. There is also the Vectron train, operating at 120 kilometers per hour, which will serve as the goods train."

Al-Sanhouri elaborated on the specific project details, saying, "The first line, covering a length of 660 kilometers, will connect Ain Sokhna, Alexandria, Alamein, and Matrouh near the Egyptian-Libyan border. A rapid transit system, this line will link the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, serving as the foundation for a broader strategic initiative to connect North African Arab countries."

He continues, "The second line, stretching 1,100 kilometers, will link October, Aswan, and Abu Simbel. This route will enhance relationships between Egypt and Sudan while promoting development in Upper Egypt’s governorates. The line also aims to halve the travel time from Cairo to Aswan."

Urban planning professor Shadia Mohsen expressed her enthusiasm for the project, saying, "This high-speed electric train network is a pioneering project that will significantly reduce travel times between governorates and create thousands of job opportunities for young people. The trains will connect industrial areas with seaports and modern agricultural development areas with consumption and export centers. The network will also support tourism by providing diverse travel programs and will integrate with existing airports, seaports, and roadways to offer multi-modal transportation options."

"The ministry’s tireless efforts are contributing to much-needed development corridors in the current economic landscape of Egypt," Mohsen added.

Minister of Transport Kamel Al-Wazir emphasized the broader benefits of the rail network, including its role in sustainable urban development and environmental preservation. He stated, "The network will link seaports, dry ports, and logistical centers. It will also connect raw material production areas and quarries to export ports, contributing to a reduction in environmental pollution."

Laila Mohammed / Arab News