Egypt initiates construction on a high-speed rail line linking the Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts.
Let's Get Rolling: Egypt's First High-Speed Train Line
Siemens has hopped on board to develop the first high-speed train line in Egypt, stretching from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. This badass route spans 621 miles, making stops at 15 stations, including a fresh "administrative capital" where the government digs will be moving from Cairo. The projected completion date? Just two years.
This high-speed express will zip through metropolises like El-Alamein on the Mediterranean Sea and Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea, also cruising through the New Administrative Capital. It's not just a party train, either – it'll carry goods for freight transport, further fuelling economic growth in the region.
Egypt took the train ride for the first time back in the 1850s, but this will be the country's first high-speed joyride. Egypt's train grid boasts over 3,100 miles of track connecting almost every city and town, but it's pretty dusty. To spruce things up, Egypt's been getting monthly shipments of snazzy Russian-made train cars. But this high-speed line? It'll be a game-changer for domestic travel.
"We're pumped as hell to broaden our buddy-buddy relationship with Egypt!" said Siemens, as they'll be designing, installing, and maintaining the high-speed rail system.
Last time we checked, Morocco had the first high-speed train in Africa, which kicked off in 2018. Siemens Mobility? They're the champs of high-speed rail operations and have been slinging stuff in Egypt since the '60s. They gotmad experience delivering high-speed rail projects in the Middle East and Africa region.
So, what's the cost of this little adventure? Approximately USD 3bn.
Now, for the fun facts you've all been waiting for:
- Siemens has procured 94 of their Desiro four-car train sets for the 2,000-km network development project announced in May 2022. These Desiro HC (High Capacity) trains feature single-deck motor cars with up to four double-deck coaches, balancing accessibility and passenger capacity for both urban and regional services[2].
- The timeline for the high-speed line opening? That hasn't been formally announced yet.
- Not much is said about the specific stations on Egypt's first high-speed line. However, a related project includes plans for a high-speed connection between Egypt and Saudi Arabia via a bridge or tunnel linking Ras Hamid (Saudi Arabia) to Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt), creating a cross-continental route potentially connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe[3]. This project is expected to initiate in 2025.
- This new high-speed rail infrastructure is expected to upgrade rail travel efficiency and capacity, enhancing regional connectivity and fostering economic growth by boosting tourism, facilitating trade, and serving as a crucial link in transcontinental transport[3].
So there you have it, folks. Egypt's high-speed train line will be a massive leap for the nation and a significant addition to global transportation infrastructure. Hop aboard and get ready for a wild ride!
The new high-speed train line, developed by Siemens, will not only serve as a joyride for travelers but also carry goods for the automotive and freight transportation industry, thus fueling economic growth in Egypt. This infrastructure project, worth around USD 3bn, will be a significant addition to the eco-industry, as it aims to boost tourism and trade, while also providing a crucial link in transcontinental transport.
