Egypt is launching a groundbreaking $4.5 billion high-speed rail project | Dinogo

Egypt is set to introduce high-speed rail travel, allowing passengers and goods to zip across the desert at record speeds, marking a historic first for the nation.

The electrified high-speed rail line will form a vital link between Cairo, the New Administrative Capital, and the rapidly expanding cities in the surrounding region.

Siemens Mobility, in partnership with Egypt’s National Authority for Tunnels (NAT), has secured a contract to develop the first 660 kilometers of what will eventually be an 1,800-kilometer rail network, described as a 'Suez Canal on rails.'

The inaugural rail line will connect the port cities of Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea to Marsa Matrouh and Alexandria on the Mediterranean, with the first phase expected to be operational in 2023.

A transformative rail project dubbed 'Suez Canal on tracks.'

Egypt’s population has surged past 100 million, more than doubling since 1980. Cairo, home to around 20 million people, is rapidly expanding into the surrounding desert areas.

In response to this population growth, the high-speed rail project is part of a broader infrastructure investment, including the construction of a new capital city 30 miles east of Cairo.

An artist’s impression of Egypt’s future high-speed train, courtesy of Siemens.

Micheal Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, tells Dinogo: '[The train] will drastically reduce travel times, making rail the preferred mode of transport. With Egypt’s growing population and economy, it will lead to higher demand for travel and goods movement, prompting the need for efficient transportation.'

Siemens estimates that the rail link will serve over 30 million passengers annually, cutting travel times by up to 50% and boosting freight capacity by 15%.

Kamel El-Wazir, Egypt’s Minister of Transport, stated in a press release, 'The high-speed train will enhance the infrastructure of the regions it connects and contribute to urban expansion.'

One of the key goals of the rail project is to boost tourism, a vital industry for Egypt’s economy.

A monumental project

Siemens Mobility will provide the core technologies, including high-speed trains, commuter trains, and rail infrastructure, while Egypt’s National Authority for Tunnels (NAT) will handle the civil works like tunnels and bridges. The project is expected to generate 15,000 local jobs.

Peter confirms, 'We expect completion around 2027. Our team has extensive experience in delivering large-scale projects like this.'

Siemens also states that the electrified rail system will reduce carbon emissions by 70%, compared to the current emissions from car and bus transport.

Peter announced that Siemens will soon sign contracts to build two additional lines in the network, connecting Greater Cairo to Aswan, and Luxor to Safaga via Hurghada.

'This first line is just the beginning,' he says. 'I anticipate that the next signature will happen very soon.'