Public transport in Egypt currently comprises a network of buses, trains, taxis and minibuses, providing a largely efficient – if congested – way of travelling around the country.
Ambitious new plans to create the world’s six largest high-speed rail line along the eastern and northern coasts could transform the country’s travel infrastructure, however, cutting journey times by up to 50%.
The £18 billion ($23 billion) project will span 1,242 miles (2,000 kilometres) along the coastline and link stations at 60 of the country’s cities – facilitating around 500 million new journeys each year.
The all-electric system, which boasts capacity for trains of up to 230 kilometres per hour, was first proposed in 2018, with construction work ongoing and an estimated end date of 2027.
It is expected to benefit around 90% of Egyptians and provide new routes for tourist and cargo movement.
The network is also estimated to cut carbon emissions by 70% compared to existing infrastructure and half travel time between city destinations.
The high-speed trains designed for the line by German contractor Siemens Mobility are some of the most advanced in the world and have been formulated specifically to withstand Egypt’s hot and sandy climate.
Siemens Mobility CEO Michael Peter said: “The Veralo is one of the most advanced high speed trains in the world, incorporating the operational experience of over three billion kilometres.
“[It] will be one of 41 high speed trains, 94 Desiro regional trains and 41 Vectron locomotives to operate in Egypt as part of creating the sixth largest high speed network in the world.”
The first Veralo train designed for the network was unveiled by Siemens in September, with the eight-car convoys including 479 business and standard seats, wifi and power sockets and a restaurant car.
Significant progress has also been made at the line’s first installment in Cairo, where tracklaying has begun between Ain Sokhna and Marsa Matrouh, via Cairo and Alexandria.
And five Desiro and five Verlao high-speed trains have already been built and tested, with a further five Vectrons undergoing commission in Germany. 16 Desiro models are also being assembled ready to ship to Cairo, according to Siemens.