Name of the Project
Egypt high-speed electric rail line.

Location
The rail line will run between the Red Sea port of Ain Sokhna and the Mediterranean ports of Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh, in Egypt.

Project Owner/s
Egypt National Authority for Tunnels (NAT).

Project Description
Dubbed a “Suez canal on rails”, the project entails the development of Egypt’s first-ever high-speed and electrified main and freight rail line.

The initial stage of the project will cover 660 km.

The NAT aims to finalise agreements on two other high-speed railway lines, including system integration, rail infrastructure and trains to increase the total distance to 1 800 km. The two additional lines will connect the greater Cairo region from 6th October City along the Nile river with Aswan, and Luxor through Hurghada to Safaga.

The line will transport more than 30-million people a year and save up to 50% in travel time. The line will also connect sea and dry ports, improving the efficiency of freight movement and increasing freight transported on rail by 15%.

Potential Job Creation
The construction consortium will directly create more than 15 000 jobs in Egypt, with an additional 3 800 at Egyptian suppliers, and indirectly through the wider Egyptian economy through this line.

Capital Expenditure
$4.45-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
A consortium, comprising Siemens Mobility, Orascom Construction and Arab Contractors, has been awarded the contract to design, install, commission and maintain Egypt’s first high-speed rail system for 15 years.

The project scope includes the track works, signalling and overhead catenary, telecommunication systems and traction power substations.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Siemens Mobility, Orascom Construction and Arab Contractors (design, installation and maintenance of the rail link over 15 years).

Contact Details for Project Information
Egypt NAT, email infoc@nat.org.eg.