Africazine:
Egypt is set to revolutionize its rail transport system with ambitious expansion plans.
The country aims for a daily rail passenger capacity of about four million by 2030. This will be achieved through the construction of 2,250 kilometres of high-speed railway and the modernization of over 10,000 kilometres of existing rail infrastructure.
Egypt’s High-Speed Railway Expansion Plans
Egypt is currently constructing three high-speed railway lines that will cover a combined distance of 2,000 kilometres. These lines include the Ain Sokhna–Marsa Matrouh route, the 6th of October Abu Simbel line, and the Qena–Safaga–Hurghada line. The Minister of Transport, Kamel El-Wazir, emphasized the importance of these projects in enhancing the country’s rail capacity.
In addition to these lines, a new 250-kilometre route linking Port Said and Alexandria is also planned. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to modernize the rail network and improve passenger services across the country.
Egypt: Key figures on rail passenger capacity
- 4 million daily rail passenger capacity by 2030
- 2,250 kilometres of high-speed electrified railway under construction
- 10,000 kilometres of existing railway network being upgraded
- 2.5 million passengers daily expected from high-speed lines
- 1.5 million passengers daily projected from conventional railway network
- 1 million to 1.25 million passengers daily expected from the fourth metro line
Modernization of Existing Railway Infrastructure
The modernization of Egypt’s existing railway network includes significant upgrades to signaling systems. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance safety and efficiency in rail operations. The first phase of the fourth metro line is scheduled for a test launch in mid-2027, which will further contribute to the overall capacity and reliability of the rail system.
Next Steps in Egypt’s Rail Development
- Unmanned testing on the first high-speed line to begin in early October
- Phased testing of the entire route to follow
- Passenger operations to commence after technical procedures and safety requirements are met
- Test launch of the first phase of the fourth metro line in mid-2027
Egypt is poised to transform its rail transport, aiming for a capacity of four million passengers daily by 2030.
