Cairo invests $1 billion USD to upgrade its trains

Last updated: 2024/09/09 at 7:58 AM

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Cairo Metro Line 1, via European Investment Bank

The Egyptian National Authority for Tunnels has contracted a consortium to renovate its Cairo Metro Line 1. The consortium includes France-based Colas Rail, Egypt’s Orascom Construction, and Japan’s Hitachi Rail in an 800 million EUR ($1.1 B USD) contract, divided among the three companies.

Cairo Metro Line 1 is the oldest underground train line in Egypt and is a key component of the city’s urban transport system, serving 1.5 million people daily. The investment aims to increase the line’s capacity.

Cairo commuter train

“We are proud to have supported the National Authority for Tunnels for over 40 years in building reliable, low-carbon urban transport infrastructure in Cairo and Alexandria,” said Hervé Le Joliff, Chairman of Colas Rail. “The modernization of Line 1, originally built in the 1980s with Colas Rail’s involvement, presents a new challenge. Many cities around the world will need to upgrade their underground rail networks to meet the increasing demand for mobility.”

The trains of Cairo. Look at the trash everywhere.

Colas Rail will collaborate with Orascom to upgrade the electric power supply and electromechanical systems in stations, tunnels, and on the rail track as part of the contract.

Related: Ecological news from Egypt

Hitachi Rail will enhance the signaling, control, and telecommunications infrastructure as part of the project.

The modernization work will be carried out during daytime operations on the line to minimize disruption. The project is scheduled to commence in October 2024 and is expected to span 64 months.

Alessio Bencivenni, Head of Ground Transportation Systems for Egypt at Hitachi Rail, stated: “Our solution will improve safety, reliability, and capacity on the line, providing passengers in Cairo with smoother and more sustainable journeys.”