Egypt’s National Tunnel Authority (NAT) signed an operations and maintenance contract with El Sewedy Electric and Germany’s Deutsche Bahn International Operations (DB IO) in New Cairo on November 13 for the country’s planned multibillion-dollar high-speed rail system.
Launched in 2018, the project foresees the laying of 2,000 km of new track that will accommodate the Velaro and Desiro electric trains supplied by Siemens Mobility, according to information on the NAT website. The fastest trains on the rail network will travel at speeds of 230km/h and will serve 60 stations along three separate routes connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea and the Nile River with key southern cities and Egypt’s top tourist destinations.
The massive project is part of Egypt’s Vision 2030 program intended to modernize Egypt’s transport infrastructure at an estimated total cost of $23 billion. The Mediterranean to Red Sea rail route is expected to open in 2027, with full completion expected in the early 2030s.
NAT is the Egyptian government agency operating under the Ministry of Transport that is responsible for the planning, construction and operation of the country’s rapid transit system and railway electrification projects. It owns and oversees infrastructure development and all other contracts related to the high-speed rail project.
Siemens Mobility also took the opportunity to show the Velaro high-speed train that will serve the new rail network. The Desiro HC regional train made its first test in November, on newly built tracks near the October 6 depot, west of Cairo.
Siemens Mobility is leading a consortium including Orascom Construction and The Arab Contractors that will build the new line. The turnkey contract covers technology, rolling stock and track installation, civil works include bridges, tunnels and earthworks.
As the main contractor and technology provider, Seimens Mobility will deliver the entire rail system, including 41 Velaro high-speed trains, 94 Desiro regional trains, 41 Vectron freight locomotives, signaling and power supply, plus a 15-year maintenance contract. Orascom and The Arab Contractors will provide track, signalling, overhead catenary and traction power substation works.
Siemens Mobility’s Velaro high-speed train has a top speed of 230 km/h. Photo courtesy of Siemens
In a statement released by Siemens Mobility, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Industry Kamel El Wazir said: “The maiden journey of the Desiro regional train and the arrival of the Velaro mark a decisive moment in Egypt’s transport modernization strategy. This high-speed train project will help redefine the passenger experience, reduce travel times and increase connectivity between cities, the commitment to build a modern, safe and sustainable railway network. our people and supports to Egypt’s economic growth for generations to come.”
In addition to operations and management, the 15-year contract with El Sewedy and DB IO provides training for engineers and technicians, 95% of whom will be Egyptian and will eventually operate the network independently.
NAT has also signed supervision and engineering contracts with French companies Egis and Systra for lines two and three of the high-speed network. They have a total combined distance of 1,325 km, including 39 stations. Companies will ensure compliance with international safety and engineering standards.
Egypt’s high-speed electricity system will be the sixth largest in the world and promises to have a major impact on the country’s economy. The network will be accessible to 90% of Egyptians and will reduce travel times by up to 50%. It will accommodate up to one million passengers and transport up to 8,500 tonnes of goods every day. The system will encourage the development of various sectors of the entire economy as it will connect cities, seaports, dry ports, archaeological sites and tourist destinations across the country.
The NAT is also in charge of organizing the financing of the project. Most of the funding is through European institutions and guarantees from the German government.
